Autumn is one of the best 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 picture a scenario where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.
Failing to experience these sounds can substantially lessen the festive atmosphere. Fortunately, many hearing problems are non permanent and can be managed by dealing with underlying causes that are often simple to correct or prevent. Take these actions to protect your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
Tips for preserving your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that extended exposure to loud sounds can cause temporary hearing impairment, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can become a lasting condition. Excessive volume can damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is important to take steps to minimize the danger.
A quick, extremely loud noise like an explosion can result in temporary hearing impairment, and although prompt medical intervention might reduce the impact, it is difficult to prevent. Longer 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 on earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Among the highlights of fall are outdoor gatherings and concerts. The weather is still beautiful, and you may find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and lay down 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 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 safety measures, you can minimize the risk of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks show. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures
Safeguarding your ears as the weather gets colder and more blustery is essential to prevent infections. Make certain that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently associated with children, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not just limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also result in inflammation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should consult a physician right away. It could be a sign of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is hazardous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Carefully and successfully eliminate earwax
That pesky earwax may get on your nerves, but it serves the important function of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it blocks your hearing.
The first action in avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent decades grabbing 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.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or purchasing over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit there for a short while, then tilt your head to help with drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too much, consult a hearing specialist. They have specific instruments to make the job easier.
Medications may be the cause
A sudden decline in your hearing abilities after starting a new medication could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can cause issues with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your doctor as soon as possible to find out whether you should keep using your medication.
Be sure to have any decline in your hearing immediately checked out.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.
