The fall season is a standout time in the annual calendar. Imagine yourself sitting back and enjoying the sounds– children laughing on Halloween, the leaves crunching as you walk, the fire crackling, and your loved ones around the table at Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.
Failing to hear these sounds can substantially lessen the festive atmosphere. Fortunately, many hearing problems are non permanent and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are usually easy to fix or prevent. Take these steps to protect your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
Tips for protecting your hearing
There is indisputable evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can result in short-term hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into a long-term problem. Excessive volume can harm the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take steps to minimize the danger.
A sudden, extremely loud noise like an explosion can result in temporary hearing loss, and although timely medical assistance might reduce the effect, it is tough to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing damage and is generally more preventable.
Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a danger to your hearing. Be cautious when increasing the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.
Autumn’s festivities typically include outdoor parties and live music events. The weather is still beautiful, and you may find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and spread out a blanket. Exercise caution 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 can you do?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with reduced possible damage to your hearing. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.
Keep your ears safe in chilly temperatures
It is imperative to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes stronger. Make certain that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You may think of your children and grandchildren when you consider ear infections, but adults get them as well. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they result in irritation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. It might be an indication of another medical problem, and lack of treatment is dangerous not just for your hearing but also for your general health.
Carefully and successfully eliminate earwax
That annoying earwax may get on your nerves, but it serves the important 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 obstructs your hearing.
Prevention is essential to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You might 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 buying over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit for a short while, then incline your head to help with 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 special instruments to make the job easier.
Medications might be the cause
A sudden decline in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If this is a problem for you, call your physician immediately and inquire whether you should keep using your medications.
Be sure to have any decline in your hearing promptly checked out.
Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.
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