The fall season is a standout period 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 under your feet on a brisk autumn day, the soothing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family gathered around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a scenario where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to experience these sounds can significantly diminish the festive atmosphere. Luckily, if you have problems with your hearing, it may be temporary and caused by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Take these steps to protect your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
Tips for protecting 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. Excessive volume can damage the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take measures to limit the danger.
A single, very loud sound like an explosion can lead to short-term hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is typically more preventable.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a danger to your hearing. Be careful when boosting the volume, as the closeness 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 festivities often feature outdoor parties and live music performances. The weather is still lovely, and you may find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and lay down a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
What’s the most effective course of action to take?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. By taking safety measures, you can decrease the risk of hearing damage while still being able to completely experience the music and fireworks show. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Keep your ears warm in chilly temperatures
Protecting your ears as the weather cools down and more blustery is essential to prevent infections. Make sure that you and your family are wearing ear protection like 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 accumulate in your middle ear, and they lead to inflammation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. Not getting treatment for this problem, which might be a warning of a hidden medical condition, presents risks to your health.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, despite being annoying, plays a crucial role in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from reaching your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, particularly if it obstructs your hearing.
The first action in avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You might have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Making use of cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, potentially leading to a buildup and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or purchasing over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit there for a short while, then incline your head to help with drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too great, consult a hearing professional. They have specific instruments to make the job easier.
Medications might be the cause
A sudden decline 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 problems with hearing. If this is a problem for you, contact your physician immediately and ask whether you should continue taking your medications.
Remember, any changes in your hearing should get assessed right away.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.