Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– children laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your loved ones around the table at Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to hear these sounds can dramatically lessen the cheery atmosphere. Fortunately, many hearing problems are temporary and can be managed by dealing with underlying causes that are often simple to fix or prevent. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
Tips for preserving 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 a permanent issue. Excessive volume can harm the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take measures to limit the danger.
A one-time, very loud sound like an explosion can lead to short-term hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Think twice about putting in earbuds and cranking 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 autumn are outdoor gatherings 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 take pleasure in a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Exercise prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
What’s the most effective course of action to take?
Safeguarding your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking precautions, you can decrease the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks display. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Protect your ears from cold weather
It is imperative to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes stronger. Make certain that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often associated with kids, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also result in irritation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you might encounter.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a physician as soon as possible. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which might be a warning of an underlying medical condition, presents risks to your health.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, in spite of being annoying, plays a crucial part in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
Prevention is key to avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax. You may have spent decades reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Consider utilizing ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to carefully 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 great, visit a hearing professional. They have special tools to make the job easier.
Medications may be the cause
If you started 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 as soon as possible to figure out whether you should continue using your medication.
Be sure to have any decrease in your hearing promptly checked out.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, think about consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.
