Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Imagine yourself settling 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 picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.

Missing out on these sounds can take the pleasure out of the season. The good news is, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be temporary and triggered by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Follow these suggestions to safeguard your hearing and fully appreciate the fall season.

Tips for protecting your hearing

There is indisputable evidence revealing that exposure to loud sounds can result in temporary hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into a long-term issue. Excessive volume can harm the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is important to take steps to limit the danger.

A single, very loud sound like an explosion can lead to temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.

Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a danger to your hearing. Be cautious when boosting the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. (Unfortunately, there are no exemptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)

Fall’s festivities typically feature outdoor get-togethers and live music performances. The enjoyable weather continues, making it an optimal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and take pleasure in a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts frequently reach unsafe decibel levels even at a significant distance.

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

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 experience the music and fireworks display. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.

Keep your ears warm in chilly temperatures

Safeguarding your ears as the weather gets colder and more blustery is important to avoid infections. Make certain 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 too. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they lead to irritation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.

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

Gently and successfully eliminate earwax

Earwax, in spite of being bothersome, plays a crucial role in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from reaching your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it obstructs your hearing.

Prevention is key to avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax. You might have spent years reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Cotton swabs push 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. 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 specific tools to make the job easier.

Medications may 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, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can cause problems with hearing. If this is an issue for you, call your doctor right away and ask whether you should keep taking your medications.

Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing should get checked out immediately.

If you’re noticing a decline in your hearing this season, consider speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.