The fall season is a standout time in the yearly calendar. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, surrounded 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 soothing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muffled.

Missing out on these sounds can take the enjoyment out of the season. Luckily, if you have issues with your hearing, it might be short-term and caused by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Follow these guidelines to safeguard your hearing and fully appreciate the autumn season.

Tips for preserving your hearing

It is clear and undeniable that extended exposure to loud sounds can result in non permanent hearing impairment, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can become a lasting condition. Loud noises damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the problem.

A quick, extremely loud noise like an explosion can trigger short-term hearing impairment, and although prompt medical intervention may decrease the effect, it is difficult to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, though, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.

The sound level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens reach a far louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Reconsider putting in earbuds and turning 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 include 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. Take care, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts often reach unsafe decibel levels even at a significant distance.

So what should you do?

The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. By taking precautions, you can minimize the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks display. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.

Protect your ears from cold weather

Safeguarding your ears as the weather cools down and more blustery is important to prevent infections. Be certain you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. You may think of your children and grandchildren when you consider ear infections, but adults get them too. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also lead to inflammation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you might experience.

If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor right away. Not seeking treatment for this problem, which could be a warning of an underlying medical condition, poses dangers to your health.

Safely clean out earwax

Earwax, in spite of being bothersome, plays a crucial part in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from entering your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a concern, particularly if it obstructs your hearing.

The first step in preventing hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent decades 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.

Try cleaning your ears by using drops of hydrogen peroxide or purchasing over-the-counter drops. Allow the drops to sit for a short while, then tilt your head to help with drainage. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too great, visit a hearing professional. They have special instruments to make the job easier.

Medications may be the cause

If you started a new medication and discovered that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it might be the medication. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your doctor as soon as possible to figure out whether you should continue taking your medication.

Remember, any changes in your hearing should get assessed immediately.

Get in touch with a hearing care professional if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.