Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Picture yourself in a relaxing 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 brisk fall day, the relaxing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Now picture a situation where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.

Failing to hear these sounds can significantly diminish the cheery atmosphere. Luckily, if you have problems with your hearing, it may be short-term and triggered by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Take these steps to protect your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.

How to protect your hearing

It is clear and undisputed that extended exposure to loud noises can cause temporary hearing loss, and if the exposure continues over time, it can become a permanent condition. 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 noise like an explosion can lead to short-term hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can lead to hearing damage and is generally more preventable.

Heavy traffic comes in at 85 decibels, and sirens come in at 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a threat to your hearing. Be careful when boosting the volume, as the closeness of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.

Among the highlights of autumn are outdoor gatherings and performances. The enjoyable weather persists, making it an optimal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and take pleasure in a relaxing 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. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.

So what should 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 appreciate the fireworks, just with reduced possible damage to your hearing. As tempting as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night goes on.

Protect your ears from cold weather

It is imperative to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes stronger. Be certain you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. While ear infections are often related to kids, they can also affect grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they lead to inflammation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you may encounter.

Seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. It might be an indication of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is dangerous 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 too much earwax, though, it can be a problem, particularly if it obstructs your hearing.

The first action in preventing hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You may have spent years reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clean 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 little while, then incline your head to help with drainage. Consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. Specialised tools are available to them that will streamline the task.

Prescription or over-the-counter drugs could be to blame

If you started a new medication and noticed that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it might be the medication. Some antibiotics, large amounts of aspirin, and various medications such as diuretics can cause problems with hearing. If this is an issue for you, contact your physician immediately and inquire whether you should continue using your medications.

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

Contact a hearing care professional if you are noticing hearing loss this season.