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 family around the table at 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 problems with your hearing, it might be temporary and caused by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Take these actions to safeguard your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
Tips for protecting your hearing
There is indisputable evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can lead to temporary hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a permanent issue. Excessive volume can harm the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is essential to take steps to limit the danger.
A one-time, very loud noise like an explosion can cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.
The noise 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 on earbuds and cranking up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Unfortunately, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Autumn’s festivities typically feature outdoor get-togethers and live music performances. The weather is still beautiful, and you may find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and spread out 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 unsafe decibel levels even at a considerable distance.
So what should you do?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. By taking safety measures, you can minimize the risk of hearing damage while still being able to completely enjoy the music and fireworks display. As tempting as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night goes on.
Safeguard your ears from cold weather
Protecting your ears as the weather gets colder and more blustery is important to avoid infections. Make sure that you and your family have on ear protection like 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 accumulate 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 see a physician as soon as possible. It could be an indication of another medical problem, and lack of treatment is dangerous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.
Safely clear out earwax
That pesky earwax might get on your nerves, but it performs the essential purpose of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, particularly if it blocks your hearing.
The first step in avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent years 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.
Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or purchasing over-the-counter drops. 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. They have special tools to make the job easier.
Medications might be the cause
If you beging taking a new medication and noticed that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it might be the medication. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can cause problems with hearing. If this is a problem for you, call your doctor immediately and inquire whether you should keep taking your medications.
Be sure to have any decrease in your hearing immediately checked out.
If you’re noticing a decline in your hearing this season, consider speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.
