Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– kids laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your loved ones around the table at Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muted.
Missing out on these sounds can take the joy out of the season. The good news is, if you have issues with your hearing, it may be temporary and caused by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Follow these guidelines to safeguard your hearing and fully appreciate the autumn season.
How to protect your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can result in temporary hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a long-term problem. Loud noises damage the sensitive 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 loss, and though timely medical assistance might reduce the impact, 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.
The sound level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens are a far louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present 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 exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Autumn’s celebrations typically feature outdoor parties and live music performances. 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. Take care, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you may be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts often reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what can you do?
Safeguarding your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. By taking precautions, you can decrease the risk of hearing damage while still being able to completely enjoy the music and fireworks display. As tempting as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures
Protecting your ears as the weather cools down and more blustery is important to prevent infections. Make sure that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you consider ear infections, but adults get them too. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they result in irritation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you may encounter.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor right away. It could be an indication of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is dangerous not just for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Carefully and successfully eliminate earwax
That annoying earwax might get on your nerves, but it serves the essential function of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become a problem, particularly if it obstructs your ability to hear properly.
The first step in preventing hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. You might have spent decades reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Making use of cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, potentially resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or purchasing over-the-counter drops. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip your head to let them drain. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are afraid that the blockage is too much, visit a hearing specialist. They have special instruments to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs could be to blame
If you beging taking a new medication and discovered that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it might be the medication. 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.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing need to get checked out right away.
If you’re noticing a decline in your hearing this season, think about consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.
