The fall season is a standout period in the annual calendar. Imagine yourself sitting 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 scenario 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 problems with your hearing, it may be short-term and triggered by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Follow these guidelines to safeguard your hearing and fully savor the fall season.

Tips for protecting your hearing

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

A one-time, very loud sound like an explosion can cause temporary hearing loss, and while prompt 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.

Heavy traffic clocks in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Think twice about putting on earbuds and cranking up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.

Fall’s festivities often include outdoor parties and live music performances. The enjoyable weather persists, making it an ideal time to head to a nearby park, where you can fire up a barbecue and take pleasure in a peaceful picnic on a blanket. Exercise prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers because you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often reach hazardous decibel levels even at a significant distance.

So what can you do?

Protecting your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking precautions, you can minimize the risk of hearing damage while still being able to completely experience the music and fireworks show. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night goes on.

Keep your ears safe in chilly temperatures

Safeguarding your ears as the weather gets colder and more windy 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. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also lead to inflammation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you might experience.

If you have an ear infection, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. It might be a sign of another medical concern, and lack of treatment is dangerous not only for your hearing but also for your overall health.

Safely clean out earwax

Earwax, in spite of being annoying, plays a crucial part in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to stop them from entering your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it blocks your hearing.

Prevention is key to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You may have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to remove earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. 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 purchasing over-the-counter drops. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip 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. They have specific tools to make the job easier.

Medications may be the cause

If you beging taking a new medicine and discovered that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it could be the medication. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If you are worried about this matter, contact your doctor right away to figure out whether you should continue using your medication.

Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing need to get checked out right away.

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