Autumn is one of the best 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 fall day, the soothing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family gathered 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 pleasure out of the season. The good thing is, many hearing problems are temporary and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are often easy to fix or prevent. Follow these suggestions to safeguard your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause temporary hearing impairment, and if the exposure continues over time, it can become a permanent condition. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the problem.
A one-time, very loud sound like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also harm your hearing. Think twice about putting in earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Unfortunately, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the joys of fall are outdoor gatherings and performances. The pleasant weather continues, making it an optimal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and take pleasure in a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Exercise prudence when sitting directly beside the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts frequently reach unsafe decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what should you do?
Safeguarding your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking precautions, you can decrease the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks show. Avoid the impulse to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how tempting it might be.
Protect your ears from cold weather
It is essential to protect your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes stronger. Be sure you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently related to kids, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also lead to inflammation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you might encounter.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor right away. It might be a sign of another medical problem, and lack of treatment is dangerous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Safely clean out earwax
That pesky earwax may get on your nerves, but it serves the essential purpose of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a problem, especially if it blocks your hearing.
Prevention is essential to avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax. You might have spent years grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Using cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, possibly resulting in a buildup and impaired hearing.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit for a short while, then tilt your head to help with drainage. Think about consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. Specialised tools are available to them that will simplify the task.
Medications may be the cause
A sudden decline in your hearing abilities after starting a new medication might be a side effect of the medication itself. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If this is an issue for you, contact your doctor immediately and inquire whether you should continue taking your medications.
Remember, any changes in your hearing should get checked out right away.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.