Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– children laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your loved ones around the table at Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Failing to hear these sounds can dramatically lessen the cheery atmosphere. Luckily, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be temporary and caused by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Follow these guidelines to safeguard your hearing and fully appreciate the autumn season.
How to protect your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud sounds can lead to short-term hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a long-term issue. Excessive volume can harm the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take steps to limit the danger.
A quick, extremely loud noise like an explosion can trigger short-term hearing impairment, and although prompt medical assistance might reduce the impact, it is difficult 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 is about 85 decibels, while sirens are a far louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a threat to your hearing. Be cautious when boosting the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. (Regrettably, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the joys of autumn are outdoor gets together and concerts. The weather is still beautiful, and you might find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and lay down a blanket. Exercise prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers because you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
What’s the most effective course of action to take?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. By taking precautions, you can decrease the danger of hearing damage while still being able to completely enjoy the music and fireworks show. Avoid the urge to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how enticing it might be.
Protect your ears from cold weather
Protecting your ears as the weather cools down and more windy is essential to avoid infections. Be certain you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often associated with kids, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they result in irritation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a physician as soon as possible. It might be an indication of another medical concern, and lack of treatment is dangerous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Safely clean out earwax
That pesky earwax might get on your nerves, but it performs the essential purpose of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become an issue, particularly if it impedes your ability to hear effectively.
The first action in preventing hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. You might have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that method. Using cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, possibly resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or purchasing over-the-counter drops. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip 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. They have special instruments to make the job easier.
Medications may be the cause
A sudden decline in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription 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 worried about this matter, contact your physician right away to figure out whether you should keep using your medication.
Be sure to have any decline in your hearing promptly examined.
If you’re detecting a decrease in your hearing this season, think about consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.