Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Picture yourself in a relaxing setting, enveloped 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 sitting 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 joy out of the season. The good news is, if you have issues with your hearing, it may be temporary and caused by things that are easily avoided or fixable. 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 lead to temporary hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a long-term problem. Excessive volume can damage the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is essential to take steps to limit the danger.
A single, very loud noise like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is generally more preventable.
The sound level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens are a much louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also harm your hearing. Reconsider putting in earbuds and cranking up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Autumn’s festivities typically feature outdoor parties and live music events. The enjoyable 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. Exercise prudence when sitting directly beside the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts frequently reach hazardous decibel levels even at a significant distance.
So what should you do?
The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. By taking safety measures, you can decrease the risk of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks display. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Keep your ears warm in cool temperatures
It is essential to protect your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes more powerful. Be certain you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. You may think of your children and grandchildren when you think of ear infections, but adults get them as well. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they result in irritation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you might experience.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. It might be an indication of another medical concern, and lack of treatment is dangerous not just for your hearing but also for your general health.
Safely clean out earwax
Earwax, despite being annoying, plays a crucial role in snagging 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.
Prevention is key to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You may have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. 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 carefully cleanse your ears. Allow the drops to sit there for a little while, then incline your head to facilitate drainage. Think about getting in touch with an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. They have specific instruments to make the job easier.
Medications might be the cause
An abbrupt decline in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can trigger problems with hearing. If this is a problem for you, contact your physician immediately and ask whether you should keep using your medications.
Remember, any changes in your hearing need to get assessed right away.
Contact a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.
