Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. 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 fall day, the relaxing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Missing out on these sounds can take the joy out of the season. Luckily, if you have issues with your hearing, it might be short-term and caused by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
How to protect your hearing
There is indisputable evidence showing that exposure to loud noises can result in temporary hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a long-term problem. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the issue.
A sudden, extremely loud noise like an explosion can result in short-term hearing loss, and although timely medical intervention might decrease the effect, it is tough to prevent. Lengthier 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 measures 85 decibels, while sirens reach a far louder 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a threat to your hearing. Be cautious when boosting the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the joys of fall are outdoor gets together and concerts. The weather is still lovely, and you might find yourself in a park where you can set 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 unsafe decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what can you do?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. By taking safety measures, you can minimize the risk of hearing damage while still being able to fully experience the music and fireworks show. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears safe in chilly temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy is essential to avoid infections. Be sure you and your family are using 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 an outcome of these infections, which also lead to irritation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which could be a warning of a hidden medical condition, poses dangers to your health.
Carefully and effectively eliminate earwax
That pesky earwax might get on your nerves, but it serves the important function of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, particularly if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is essential to preventing hearing issues caused by earwax. You might have spent years 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, including hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to gently clean your ears. Allow the drops to sit there for a short while, then tilt your head to facilitate drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too great, visit a hearing professional. Special tools are available to them that will streamline the task.
Medications may be the cause
If you started a new medication and discovered that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and various medications like diuretics can cause problems with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your physician as soon as possible to figure out whether you should continue using your medication.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing should get checked out immediately.
Contact a hearing care professional if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.