The fall season is a standout period in the annual calendar. Picture yourself in a relaxing 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 crisp autumn day, the soothing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family gathered 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. The good thing is, many hearing issues are non permanent and can be managed by addressing underlying causes that are often easy to correct or prevent. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully appreciate the fall season.
Tips for protecting your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause non permanent hearing impairment, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can become a lasting condition. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the problem.
A one-time, very loud sound like an explosion can lead to temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
The sound level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens are a much louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also harm your hearing. Reconsider putting in earbuds and cranking up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Regrettably, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Fall’s festivities often feature outdoor parties and live music events. The weather is still lovely, and you may find yourself in a park where you can spark 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 frequently reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what can you do?
Protecting your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with less possible damage to your hearing. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
Protecting your ears as the weather cools down and more blustery is essential to prevent infections. Make certain 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 too. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also lead to irritation. 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 seeking treatment for this problem, which could be a warning of an underlying medical condition, presents dangers to your health.
Safely clear out earwax
Earwax, in spite of being bothersome, plays a crucial part in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from reaching your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become a problem, particularly if it obstructs your ability to hear effectively.
The first step in preventing hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent years reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs force the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or purchasing over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit there for a little while, then incline your head to facilitate drainage. Consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. They have specific instruments to make the job easier.
Medications might be the cause
An abbrupt decrease in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are concerned about this matter, contact your doctor right away to find out whether you should continue taking your medication.
Be sure to have any decline in your hearing promptly checked out.
Contact a hearing care specialist if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.