The fall season is a standout time in the yearly calendar. 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 beneath your feet on a crisp fall day, the relaxing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family gathered 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. The good thing is, many hearing issues are temporary and can be resolved by dealing with underlying causes that are usually simple to fix or prevent. Take these steps to protect your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
How to safeguard your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that extended exposure to loud noises can result in temporary hearing loss, 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 issue.
A single, very loud sound like an explosion can lead to short-term hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is typically more preventable.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 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 closeness 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.)
Among the joys of autumn are outdoor gatherings and concerts. 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. Use prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers because you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. 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 appreciate the fireworks, just with less potential harm to your hearing. Avoid the impulse to edge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how tempting it may be.
Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures
It is essential to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes more powerful. Be sure you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently associated with children, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also result in inflammation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you might experience.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Not getting treatment for this issue, which might be a warning of an underlying medical condition, poses dangers to your health.
Gently and successfully eliminate earwax
That annoying earwax may get on your nerves, but it performs the essential purpose of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become an issue, particularly if it obstructs your ability to hear properly.
Prevention is essential to preventing hearing problems caused by earwax. You might have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that method. 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 carefully cleanse 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 afraid that the blockage is too much, consult a hearing professional. Specialised tools are available to them that will simplify the job.
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 various medications like diuretics can trigger problems with hearing. If this is an issue for you, contact your physician right away and ask whether you should continue using your medications.
Be sure to have any decline in your hearing promptly examined.
If you’re noticing a decline in your hearing this season, think about speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.
