Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, surrounded by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s giggles 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 muted.
Failing to hear these sounds can considerably lessen the cheery atmosphere. Luckily, if you have problems with your hearing, it may be short-term and triggered by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.
How to protect your hearing
It is clear and undisputed that prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause temporary hearing impairment, and if the exposure continues over time, it can become a permanent condition. Excessive volume can damage the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take measures to minimize the danger.
A quick, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can result in short-term hearing loss, and although timely medical intervention might reduce the impact, it is tough to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
The sound level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens are a far louder 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a danger to your hearing. Be careful when increasing the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Autumn’s celebrations often feature outdoor parties and live music events. The enjoyable weather persists, 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 caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers because you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what can 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 enjoy the fireworks, just with reduced possible damage to your hearing. Avoid the impulse to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how enticing it might be.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
Safeguarding your ears as the weather cools down and more blustery is essential to prevent infections. Make sure that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you think of ear infections, but adults get them as well. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they result in inflammation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you may experience.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor right away. Not seeking treatment for this problem, which could be a warning of an underlying medical condition, presents risks to your well-being.
Safely clear out earwax
That pesky earwax may get on your nerves, but it serves the essential function of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
Prevention is key to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. 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 force earwax deeper into your ear, potentially resulting in a blockage and impaired hearing.
Consider using 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 tilt your head to let them drain. Consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. Special tools are available to them that will simplify the task.
Medications may be the cause
A sudden decrease in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription might be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can cause problems with hearing. If this is an issue for you, contact your doctor immediately and inquire whether you should keep taking your medications.
Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing need to get assessed right away.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.