The fall season is a standout period in the yearly calendar. 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 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. Luckily, if you have problems with your hearing, it may be temporary and triggered by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Take these actions to protect your hearing, and enjoy fall to its fullest.
How to safeguard your hearing
There is unequivocal evidence showing that exposure to loud noises can lead to short-term hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into a long-term problem. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the issue.
A single, very loud noise like an explosion can lead to short-term hearing loss, and while immediate 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 typically more preventable.
Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 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. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)
Among the highlights of autumn are outdoor gets together and concerts. The weather is still beautiful, and you might find yourself in a park where you can spark up a grill and lay down a blanket. Be careful, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.
So what can you do?
The best thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. By taking safety measures, you can minimize the risk of hearing damage while still being able to fully experience the music and fireworks show. Resist the urge to edge closer to the speakers as the evening wears on, no matter how enticing it might be.
Keep your ears warm in chilly temperatures
Protecting 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 lead to inflammation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. Not seeking treatment for this problem, which might be a warning of a hidden 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 capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they get into your inner ear. However, a surplus of earwax can become a problem, particularly if it obstructs your ability to hear effectively.
Prevention is essential to preventing hearing issues caused by earwax. You may have spent years grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs force the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.
Think about using ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to carefully clean your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tilt your head to let them drain. Think about consulting 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.
Prescription or over-the-counter medicines could be to blame
If you started a new medicine and discovered that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it could be the medication. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can trigger problems with hearing. If this is an issue for you, contact your physician immediately and inquire whether you should continue using your medications.
Be certain to have any decrease in your hearing promptly examined.
Contact a hearing care professional if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.