Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, enveloped 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 relaxing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family gathered around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.

Missing out on these sounds can take the enjoyment out of the season. Luckily, if you have issues with your hearing, it may be temporary and triggered by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully appreciate the autumn season.

How to protect your hearing

There is unequivocal evidence showing that exposure to loud sounds can lead to short-term hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into an irreversible problem. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the issue.

A one-time, very loud noise like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.

Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a threat to your hearing. Be careful when boosting the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)

Among the highlights of fall are outdoor gets together and concerts. The weather is still beautiful, and you might find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and lay down a blanket. Use caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.

What’s the most effective course of action to take?

The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to wear earplugs. By taking safety measures, you can decrease the risk of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks display. As tempting as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.

Keep your ears warm in cool temperatures

It is imperative to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes more powerful. Be sure you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently associated with kids, 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 irritation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.

Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. It might be an indication of another medical concern, and lack of treatment is hazardous not only for your hearing but also for your general health.

Safely clear out earwax

That annoying earwax may get on your nerves, but it serves the important function of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a problem, especially if it blocks your hearing.

The first step in avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You might have spent many years utilizing a cotton swab or another tool to get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that method. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.

Think about using ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to gently cleanse your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tilt your head to let them drain. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too much, visit a hearing specialist. Specialised tools are available to them that will streamline the job.

Medications might be the cause

An abbrupt decrease in your hearing abilities after starting 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 you are worried about this matter, contact your doctor as soon as possible to find out whether you should continue taking your medication.

Be certain to have any decline in your hearing promptly checked out.

Contact a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.