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 family around the table at Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Failing to experience these sounds can considerably diminish the cheery atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing issues are temporary and can be managed by dealing with underlying causes that are often simple to correct or prevent. Follow these guidelines to protect your hearing and fully appreciate the fall season.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that prolonged exposure to loud noises can result in temporary hearing impairment, and if the exposure continues over time, it can develop into a lasting condition. Excessive volume can harm the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take steps to minimize the danger.
A sudden, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can trigger temporary hearing impairment, and though prompt medical assistance might reduce the effect, it is tough to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
The noise level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens reach a far louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a threat to your hearing. Be careful when boosting the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the joys of autumn are outdoor gets together and performances. The pleasant weather continues, making it an ideal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and take pleasure in a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Use prudence 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 significant distance.
What’s the most effective course of action to take?
Safeguarding your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. By taking precautions, you can minimize the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks show. As tempting as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures
It is imperative to protect your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes stronger. Be sure you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often related to kids, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they result in inflammation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you might experience.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. It might be an indication of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is hazardous not just for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Gently and successfully eliminate earwax
That annoying earwax might get on your nerves, but it serves the important function of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become a problem, particularly if it obstructs your ability to hear effectively.
Prevention is essential to preventing hearing issues caused by earwax. You might 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.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tilt your head to let them drain. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too much, visit a hearing professional. Special tools are available to them that will simplify the job.
Medications might be the cause
If you beging taking a new medication and noticed that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it could 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, call your physician immediately and inquire whether you should keep taking your medications.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing should get assessed immediately.
If you’re detecting a decrease in your hearing this season, consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.