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 imagine that you can’t hear those things or that they are muted.

Failing to experience these sounds can considerably diminish the cheery atmosphere. Fortunately, many hearing problems are temporary and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are often simple to correct or prevent. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully savor the fall season.

Tips for protecting your hearing

There is indisputable evidence revealing that exposure to loud noises can lead to short-term hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into a long-term issue. Excessive volume can harm the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is essential to take steps to minimize the danger.

A sudden, extremely loud noise like an explosion can result in short-term hearing impairment, and though timely medical intervention may decrease the effect, it is difficult to prevent. Longer exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.

The noise level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens reach a much louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a danger 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 enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.

Fall’s festivities typically feature outdoor parties 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. Be careful, though, if you sit directly in front of the speakers, you may be confronted with a whopping 140 decibels. Concerts frequently reach hazardous decibel levels even at a considerable distance.

What’s the best course of action to take?

Safeguarding your hearing by using 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 less potential harm to your hearing. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night passes.

Keep your ears warm in chilly temperatures

It is imperative to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes more powerful. Be sure you and your family are using ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you consider ear infections, but adults get them too. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also result in inflammation. Discharge from the ear, discomfort, and impaired hearing are potential symptoms you might experience.

Seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection. It might be an indication of another medical concern, and lack of treatment is dangerous not just for your hearing but also for your general health.

Safely clear out earwax

Earwax, despite being annoying, plays a crucial role in snagging dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. However, an overabundance 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 might have spent many years utilizing a cotton swab or another tool to get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. 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 buying over-the-counter drops. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip your head to let them drain. Consider getting in touch with 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 task.

Medications may be the cause

A sudden decline in your hearing abilities after starting a new prescription could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and different medications such as diuretics can trigger problems with hearing. If you are worried about this matter, consult your doctor as soon as possible to figure out whether you should continue using your medication.

Don’t forget, any changes in your hearing should get checked out immediately.

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