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 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 muted.
Failing to hear these sounds can significantly diminish the cheery atmosphere. Luckily, if you have issues with your hearing, it might be temporary and caused by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.
Tips for preserving your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can result in temporary hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into a long-term problem. Excessive volume can harm the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is essential to take measures to minimize the danger.
A one-time, very loud noise like an explosion can lead to temporary hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
The noise level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens are a far louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Think twice about putting in earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Regrettably, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Autumn’s celebrations often feature outdoor parties and live music performances. The pleasant weather persists, making it an optimal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Be careful, 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 should you do?
Protecting your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most helpful 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. Resist the urge to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how enticing it may be.
Keep your ears warm in cool temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather cools down and more windy is essential to prevent infections. Make sure 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 consider ear infections, but adults get them too. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they lead to inflammation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a doctor right away. Not seeking treatment for this problem, which could be a warning of a hidden medical condition, presents risks to your well-being.
Safely clear out earwax
Earwax, despite being bothersome, plays a crucial part in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from reaching your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is essential to preventing hearing problems caused by earwax. You may 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, such as hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to carefully 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 great, consult a hearing professional. Specialised tools are available to them that will simplify the job.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines could be to blame
An abbrupt decline in your hearing abilities after beginning a new medication could 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 concerned about this matter, contact your doctor as soon as possible to figure out whether you should continue taking your medication.
Be sure to have any decline in your hearing immediately examined.
Contact a hearing care specialist if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.