Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Imagine yourself settling back and enjoying the sounds– kids laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your loved ones around the table at Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muted.
Failing to experience these sounds can significantly lessen the festive atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing problems are non permanent and can be resolved by dealing with underlying causes that are often simple to correct or prevent. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undeniable that extended exposure to loud noises can cause non permanent hearing impairment, and if the exposure continues over time, it can develop into a lasting condition. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the problem.
A single, very loud sound like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
The sound level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens reach a much louder 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. (Regrettably, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the joys of fall are outdoor gets together and performances. The pleasant weather persists, making it an optimal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Exercise caution when sitting directly in front of 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?
Protecting your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most beneficial 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 display. As tempting as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears warm in cool temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather cools down and more blustery is important to prevent infections. Be certain you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often associated with children, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they result in inflammation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a physician right away. Not getting treatment for this issue, which might be a warning of an underlying medical condition, presents risks to your well-being.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, despite being annoying, plays a crucial role in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from entering your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it blocks your hearing.
The first action in avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You might have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that method. 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 purchasing over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit for a short while, then incline your head to help with drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are afraid 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 started a new medication and noticed that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it might be the medication. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can trigger issues with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your physician right away to figure out whether you should continue taking your medication.
Be sure to have any decrease in your hearing immediately checked out.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.