Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Imagine yourself sitting back and enjoying the sounds– kids 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.
Missing out on these sounds can take the pleasure out of the season. The good news is, if you have problems with your hearing, it may be temporary and caused by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
How to protect your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can result in temporary hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into a long-term issue. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the issue.
A quick, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can result in short-term hearing loss, and although timely medical assistance may decrease the impact, it is difficult to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Reconsider putting on earbuds and cranking up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the highlights of autumn are outdoor gatherings and performances. The weather is still lovely, and you may find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and spread out a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you might be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts often reach unsafe decibel levels even at a significant distance.
So what should you do?
Safeguarding your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking safety measures, you can minimize the danger of hearing damage while still being able to completely experience the music and fireworks display. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Protect your ears from cold weather
Protecting your ears as the weather cools down and more blustery is essential to avoid infections. Be sure you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you consider ear infections, but adults get them too. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also lead to inflammation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you may experience.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. It could be a sign of another medical concern, and lack of treatment is hazardous not only for your hearing but also for your general health.
Gently and effectively eliminate earwax
Earwax, in spite of being bothersome, plays a crucial part in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from reaching your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
The first step in avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. You might have spent years grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Making use of cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, potentially resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Consider utilizing ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to gently clean your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip your head to let them drain. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are afraid that the blockage is too great, visit a hearing specialist. They have special tools to make the job easier.
Medications may be the cause
If you beging taking a new medicine and noticed that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can trigger problems with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your doctor right away to figure out whether you should keep using your medication.
Remember, any changes in your hearing need to get checked out right away.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.