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 giggles on Halloween, the rustle of leaves beneath your feet on a crisp autumn day, the relaxing 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 muted.
Failing to experience these sounds can significantly diminish the festive atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing problems are temporary and can be managed by dealing with underlying causes that are usually easy to fix or prevent. Take these steps to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
How to safeguard your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can lead to temporary hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into an irreversible issue. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the problem.
A quick, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can trigger temporary hearing impairment, and though prompt medical assistance might decrease the effect, it is tough to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is generally more preventable.
Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Reconsider putting in earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. 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 concerts. The weather is still beautiful, and you may find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and spread out a blanket. Use caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts frequently reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what can you do?
The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with reduced potential damage to your hearing. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather gets colder and more blustery is essential to avoid infections. Be certain you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often related to children, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they result in irritation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you may experience.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. It could be a sign of another medical problem, and lack of treatment is hazardous not just for your hearing but also for your general health.
Gently and successfully eliminate earwax
Earwax, despite being annoying, plays a crucial role in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from entering your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Prevention is key to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You may have spent many years utilizing a cotton swab or another tool to get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Making use of cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, potentially resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Consider using ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to gently cleanse your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tilt your head to let them drain. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too much, visit a hearing specialist. They have specific instruments to make the job easier.
Medications might be the cause
A sudden decrease in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription might be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can trigger issues with hearing. If you are worried about this matter, contact your doctor as soon as possible to figure out whether you should keep taking your medication.
Remember, any changes in your hearing need to get assessed immediately.
Get in touch with a hearing care specialist if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.