The fall season is a standout time in the annual calendar. Picture yourself in a relaxing setting, surrounded by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s laughs on Halloween, the rustle of leaves under your feet on a brisk autumn day, the soothing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Missing out on these sounds can take the joy out of the season. The good news is, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be short-term and caused by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Follow these suggestions to safeguard your hearing and fully appreciate the fall season.
Tips for protecting your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause non permanent hearing impairment, and if the exposure continues over time, it can become a permanent condition. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the issue.
A sudden, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can trigger temporary hearing loss, and though prompt medical assistance may reduce the effect, it is tough to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is typically more preventable.
The noise level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens reach a far louder 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a danger to your hearing. Be cautious when increasing the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the joys of fall are outdoor gets together and performances. The enjoyable weather persists, making it an ideal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Use prudence when sitting directly beside the speakers because you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts frequently reach unsafe decibel levels even at a significant distance.
So what can you do?
The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. By taking safety measures, you can minimize the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks display. As tempting as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is essential to prevent infections. Make certain that you and your family have on ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often associated with children, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they lead to inflammation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you may experience.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. It could be an indication of another medical concern, and lack of treatment is hazardous not only for your hearing but also for your general health.
Gently and successfully eliminate earwax
That annoying earwax might get on your nerves, but it serves the important function of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is key to preventing hearing issues caused by earwax. You may have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that method. Cotton swabs force the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or purchasing over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit for a little while, then incline your head to facilitate drainage. Consider getting in touch with an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. Specialised tools are available to them that will streamline the task.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs might be to blame
A sudden decrease in your hearing abilities after starting a new medication could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can cause issues with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your physician as soon as possible to find out whether you should keep using your medication.
Remember, any changes in your hearing should get checked out right away.
If you’re noticing a decrease in your hearing this season, consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.