The fall season is a standout time in the annual calendar. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, enveloped by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s laughs on Halloween, the rustle of leaves beneath your feet on a crisp fall day, the relaxing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a scenario where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Missing out on these sounds can take the joy out of the season. Fortunately, many hearing problems are non permanent and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are often simple to fix or prevent. Follow these guidelines to protect your hearing and fully savor the fall season.
Tips for protecting your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that extended exposure to loud noises can result in temporary hearing impairment, and if the exposure continues 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 noise like an explosion can lead to temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
The noise level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens reach a much louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Reconsider putting on earbuds and cranking up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the highlights of fall are outdoor gatherings and performances. The enjoyable weather continues, making it an ideal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a relaxing picnic on 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 away, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
What’s the best course of action to take?
The most ideal 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 creeping closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
It is essential to protect 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. You may 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 a result of these infections, which also result in inflammation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor right away. Not seeking treatment for this problem, which might be a warning of a hidden medical condition, poses dangers to your health.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, in spite of being bothersome, plays a crucial role in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from reaching your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is essential to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You may have spent years grabbing 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 short while, then incline your head to help with drainage. Think about getting in touch with an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. Specialised tools are available to them that will streamline the task.
Medications may be the cause
An abbrupt decrease in your hearing abilities after beginning a new medication might be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are worried about this matter, consult your doctor as soon as possible to figure out whether you should keep using your medication.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing need to get assessed immediately.
If you’re noticing a decline in your hearing this season, consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.
