The fall season is a standout period in the annual calendar. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, surrounded by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s laughs on Halloween, the rustle of leaves beneath your feet on a crisp autumn day, the soothing 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.

Failing to experience these sounds can considerably lessen the cheery atmosphere. The good news is, if you have issues with your hearing, it may be short-term and triggered by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Follow these suggestions to safeguard your hearing and fully appreciate the fall season.

Tips for preserving your hearing

There is indisputable evidence revealing that exposure to loud sounds can lead to temporary hearing loss and that repeated exposure can turn it into a permanent problem. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to mitigate the issue.

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 difficult to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is typically more preventable.

The sound level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens are a much louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Reconsider putting in earbuds and cranking up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.

Fall’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 lay down a blanket. Take care, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you might be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.

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

Safeguarding your hearing by wearing earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. You will still be able to hear the music and appreciate the fireworks, just with reduced potential harm to your hearing. Resist the urge to edge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how tempting it may be.

Protect your ears from cold weather

It is essential to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature decreases and the wind becomes more powerful. Make sure that you and your family are wearing ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are frequently associated with kids, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also lead to inflammation. Discharge from the ear, soreness, and impaired hearing are possible symptoms you may encounter.

If you have an ear infection, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. It could be an indication of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is hazardous not just for your hearing but also for your general health.

Carefully and successfully eliminate earwax

That pesky earwax might get on your nerves, but it serves the important purpose 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 impedes your ability to hear effectively.

The first step in preventing hearing issues caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent many years using 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 using ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter 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. Special tools are available to them that will simplify the job.

Medications might be the cause

An abbrupt decline in your hearing abilities after beginning a new prescription might be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications like diuretics can trigger issues with hearing. If this is an issue for you, contact your physician right away and ask whether you should keep using your medications.

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

If you’re detecting a decline in your hearing this season, think about consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for guidance.