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 beneath your feet on a brisk autumn 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.
Failing to hear these sounds can considerably lessen the festive atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing issues are non permanent and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are usually simple to fix or prevent. Follow these guidelines to protect your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.
How to safeguard your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence showing that exposure to loud noises can lead to temporary hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into a long-term issue. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the problem.
A quick, extremely loud noise like an explosion can result in short-term hearing impairment, and though timely medical assistance might decrease the impact, it is difficult to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.
The sound level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens reach a far louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a danger to your hearing. Be careful when boosting the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Fall’s festivities typically include outdoor parties and live music events. The pleasant weather continues, making it an ideal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you might be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.
So what should you do?
The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with reduced potential harm to your hearing. Resist the impulse to edge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how enticing it might be.
Protect your ears from cold weather
Protecting your ears as the weather cools down and more windy is important 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 as well. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they lead to irritation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you may experience.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. It might be an indication of another medical concern, and lack of treatment is dangerous not only for your hearing but also for your general health.
Gently and successfully eliminate earwax
That annoying earwax might get on your nerves, but it serves the essential function of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become an issue, particularly if it obstructs your ability to hear effectively.
Prevention is essential to preventing hearing issues caused by earwax. You might have spent decades reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clean wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs force the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Consider using ear cleaning solutions, including 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 much, consult a hearing specialist. They have special tools to make the job easier.
Medications might be the cause
If you started a new medication and discovered that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it might be the medication. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If this is a problem for you, contact your physician immediately and inquire whether you should continue using your medications.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing should get assessed right away.
Contact a hearing care specialist if you are noticing hearing loss this season.
