Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Picture yourself in a cozy 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 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 situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to experience these sounds can substantially diminish the festive atmosphere. Luckily, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be temporary and triggered by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Take these actions to protect your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
How to protect your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can result in short-term hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into a permanent problem. 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 immediate medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is generally more preventable.
The noise 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 increasing the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. (Unfortunately, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Autumn’s festivities typically include outdoor parties and live music events. The weather is still lovely, and you might find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and spread out a blanket. Be careful, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you might be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts often reach hazardous decibel levels even at a significant distance.
What’s the best course of action to take?
Protecting your hearing by wearing 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 reduced potential damage to your hearing. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Keep your ears warm in cool temperatures
It is imperative to protect your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes more powerful. Make sure that you and your family have on ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often associated with kids, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they lead to inflammation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you may experience.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. It might be an indication of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is hazardous not just for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Carefully and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, despite being bothersome, plays a crucial part in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from reaching your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
Prevention is key to preventing hearing problems 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. Making use of cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, potentially leading to a blockage and impaired hearing.
Think about utilizing ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to carefully cleanse your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tilt your head to let them drain. Think about consulting 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 might be the cause
An abbrupt decline in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription might be a side effect of the medication itself. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If this is an issue for you, contact your doctor right away and inquire whether you should keep using your medications.
Don’t forget, 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.