Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, surrounded by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s laughs on Halloween, the rustle of leaves beneath your feet on a brisk autumn day, the soothing 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. The good news is, if you have issues with your hearing, it may be short-term and caused by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Follow these guidelines to safeguard your hearing and fully savor the fall season.
How to protect your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that extended exposure to loud noises can result in non permanent hearing loss, and if the exposure continues over time, it can develop into a permanent condition. Excessive volume can damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is important to take steps to limit the danger.
A one-time, very loud noise like an explosion can cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a threat to your hearing. Be cautious when boosting the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the highlights 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. Take care, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you may be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts frequently reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
What’s the best course of action to take?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and enjoy the fireworks, just with less potential harm to your hearing. Resist the impulse to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how enticing it might be.
Keep your ears safe in chilly temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather cools down and more windy is important to prevent infections. Be certain you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you consider ear infections, but adults get them too. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they result in irritation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. Not seeking treatment for this problem, which might be a warning of an underlying medical condition, presents dangers to your health.
Safely clear out earwax
That annoying earwax may get on your nerves, but it serves the essential function of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become an issue, especially if it obstructs your ability to hear effectively.
The first action in preventing hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent decades grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. 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. Allow the drops to sit there for a little while, then tilt your head to facilitate drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are afraid that the blockage is too much, consult a hearing professional. They have special tools to make the job easier.
Prescription or over-the-counter drugs could be to blame
If you started a new medicine and discovered that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it might be the medication. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If this is an issue for you, contact your physician right away and ask whether you should continue taking your medications.
Be sure to have any decline in your hearing promptly checked out.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, think about consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.