Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Imagine yourself sitting 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 imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Failing to hear these sounds can dramatically lessen the festive atmosphere. Fortunately, many hearing issues are non permanent and can be resolved by dealing with underlying causes that are usually easy to correct or prevent. Follow these guidelines to safeguard your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.
Tips for protecting your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that extended exposure to loud sounds can cause non permanent hearing loss, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can develop into a lasting condition. Excessive volume can harm the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is important to take measures to limit the danger.
A sudden, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can trigger temporary hearing loss, and though timely medical intervention may decrease the effect, it is difficult to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is typically more preventable.
The noise level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens reach a far louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Think twice about putting on earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the highlights of autumn are outdoor gets together and performances. The weather is still lovely, and you may find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and lay down a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you may be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts frequently reach unsafe decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
What’s the best course of action to take?
Safeguarding your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. You will still be able to hear the music and enjoy the fireworks, just with less possible harm to your hearing. Resist the urge to edge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how tempting it might be.
Protect your ears from cold weather
It is essential to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes more powerful. Be certain you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently related to children, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also lead to irritation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. Not getting treatment for this issue, which could be a warning of a hidden medical condition, poses risks to your well-being.
Safely clear out earwax
Earwax, despite being annoying, plays a crucial role in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from reaching your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become a problem, particularly if it impedes your ability to hear properly.
Prevention is key to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You may have spent many years utilizing a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Cotton swabs force the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Consider using ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to gently clean your ears. 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 worried that the blockage is too much, visit a hearing professional. Specialised tools are available to them that will streamline the task.
Medications may be the cause
An abbrupt decrease in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription might be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can cause issues with hearing. If you are worried about this matter, consult your physician right away to figure out whether you should continue using your medication.
Be certain to have any decline in your hearing promptly checked out.
Contact a hearing care specialist if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.