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 family around the table at Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.

Failing to hear these sounds can substantially diminish the festive atmosphere. The good news is, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be temporary and triggered by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Follow these guidelines to safeguard your hearing and fully savor the fall season.

How to protect your hearing

There is indisputable evidence showing that exposure to loud noises can result in temporary hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a permanent issue. Excessive volume can damage the delicate parts of your inner ear, so it is important to take steps to limit the danger.

A one-time, very loud sound like an explosion can cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is generally more preventable.

Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens are measured at 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a threat to your hearing. Be careful when increasing the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.

Among the highlights of autumn are outdoor gatherings and concerts. The pleasant weather continues, making it an ideal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Use prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.

So what can you do?

The most ideal thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and enjoy the fireworks, just with reduced potential 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 essential to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes stronger. Make sure that you and your family have on 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 too. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also result in inflammation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.

Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. Not getting treatment for this problem, which might be a warning of a hidden medical condition, poses dangers to your health.

Gently and effectively 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. However, a surplus of earwax can become a problem, particularly if it impedes your ability to hear properly.

Prevention is key to preventing hearing issues caused by earwax. You may have spent many years utilizing a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that method. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.

Consider utilizing ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to gently clean your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip 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 special instruments to make the job easier.

Prescription or over-the-counter medicines might be to blame

If you beging taking a new medication and discovered that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it might be the medication. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can trigger issues with hearing. If you are worried about this matter, consult your physician as soon as possible to figure out whether you should continue taking your medication.

Be certain to have any decrease in your hearing promptly examined.

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