Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Picture yourself in a relaxing setting, surrounded by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s laughs on Halloween, the rustle of leaves under your feet on a brisk fall 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.
Failing to hear these sounds can dramatically diminish the cheery atmosphere. Fortunately, many hearing issues are temporary and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are often simple to fix or prevent. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
How to safeguard your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause temporary 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 essential to take steps to minimize the danger.
A sudden, extremely loud noise like an explosion can trigger short-term hearing impairment, and though timely medical assistance might decrease the impact, it is tough to prevent. Lengthier 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 come in at 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a threat to your hearing. Be cautious when increasing the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the joys of fall are outdoor gets together and performances. The enjoyable weather continues, making it an ideal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Use caution when sitting directly beside the speakers because you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts frequently reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
What’s the best course of action to take?
The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and enjoy the fireworks, just with reduced possible harm to your hearing. Avoid the urge to edge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how tempting it may be.
Keep your ears safe in chilly 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 are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently associated with children, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they lead to inflammation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you may experience.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. It might be an indication of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is hazardous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, in spite of being annoying, plays a crucial part in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from entering your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become an issue, particularly if it impedes your ability to hear effectively.
The first step in avoiding 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, potentially resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit for a little while, then incline your head to facilitate drainage. Consider 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.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines could be to blame
An abbrupt decline in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and various medications such as diuretics can trigger issues with hearing. If this is an issue for you, call your doctor immediately and inquire whether you should keep using your medications.
Remember, any changes in your hearing need to get checked out right away.
If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, think about consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.