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

Missing out on these sounds can take the enjoyment out of the season. The good news is, if you have problems with your hearing, it might be temporary and caused by things that are easily avoided or reparable. Take these actions to protect your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.

How to protect your hearing

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

A one-time, very loud noise like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while prompt medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s hard to avoid. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is usually easier to avoid.

The sound level of heavy traffic measures 85 decibels, while sirens are a far louder 120 decibels. In addition to firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also pose a threat to your hearing. Be careful when boosting the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can cause damage. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)

Among the joys of autumn are outdoor gatherings and concerts. The weather is still beautiful, and you might find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and spread out a blanket. Exercise prudence when sitting directly beside the speakers as you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.

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

Safeguarding your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most helpful things you can do. By taking safety measures, you can decrease the danger of hearing damage while still being able to fully enjoy the music and fireworks display. As tempting as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.

Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures

Protecting your ears as the weather cools down and more windy is important to avoid infections. 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 as well. Fluid build-up in the middle ear is a result of these infections, which also lead to irritation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.

If you have an ear infection, you should see a doctor right away. Not seeking treatment for this issue, which could be a warning of a hidden medical condition, poses risks to your well-being.

Safely clean out earwax

Earwax, in spite of being annoying, plays a crucial role in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to prevent them from entering your inner ear. However, an overabundance of earwax can become an issue, especially if it obstructs your ability to hear properly.

Prevention is essential to avoiding hearing issues caused by earwax. You may have spent years grabbing a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Using cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, potentially leading to a buildup and impaired hearing.

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. If you don’t want to clean your ears or are worried that the blockage is too great, visit a hearing specialist. They have special instruments to make the job easier.

Medications may be the cause

A sudden decrease in your hearing abilities after beginning a new medication could be a side effect of the medication itself. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and various medications such as diuretics can trigger issues with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, contact your physician as soon as possible to figure out whether you should keep using your medication.

Be sure to have any decline in your hearing promptly checked out.

If you’re noticing a decline in your hearing this season, consider speaking with an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.