Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, enveloped 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 muted.
Missing out on these sounds can take the enjoyment out of the season. Fortunately, many hearing issues are temporary and can be resolved by dealing with underlying causes that are often simple to correct or prevent. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that extended exposure to loud noises can result in temporary hearing impairment, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can become a permanent condition. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the issue.
A quick, extremely loud noise like an explosion can trigger short-term hearing impairment, and although timely medical intervention may decrease the effect, it is tough to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a danger to your hearing. Be cautious when boosting the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. (Unfortunately, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the highlights of fall are outdoor gets together and concerts. The pleasant weather continues, making it an optimal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you may be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
So what should you do?
Protecting your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking safety measures, you can minimize the danger of hearing damage while still being able to completely experience the music and fireworks show. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears warm in cool temperatures
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is important to avoid infections. Make sure that you and your family have on ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you think of ear infections, but adults get them as well. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also result in irritation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a physician as soon as possible. Not getting treatment for this problem, which might be a warning of a hidden medical condition, presents risks to your well-being.
Gently and successfully eliminate earwax
Earwax, despite being bothersome, plays a crucial part in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from reaching your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is key to preventing hearing problems 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 practice. Cotton swabs force the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip your head to let them drain. Consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. Special tools are available to them that will streamline the job.
Medications may be the cause
An abbrupt decline in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription might be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are concerned about this matter, contact your physician right away to figure out whether you should keep using your medication.
Be certain to have any decrease in your hearing promptly checked out.
Contact a hearing care specialist if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.