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 fall day, the soothing 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 thing is, many hearing issues are non permanent and can be managed by addressing underlying causes that are often simple to fix or prevent. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully savor the fall season.

How to safeguard your hearing

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

A sudden, extremely loud noise such as an explosion can trigger short-term hearing loss, and though prompt medical intervention might decrease the effect, it is tough to prevent. Lengthier exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher, however, can also cause hearing loss and is often easier to avoid.

The sound level of heavy traffic is about 85 decibels, while sirens are a far louder 120 decibels. Along with firecrackers and fireworks, loud music through earbuds can also present a danger to your hearing. Be cautious when increasing the volume, as the proximity of the sound to your eardrum can result in damage. Unfortunately, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.

Fall’s festivities often include outdoor get-togethers 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. Take care, though, if you sit right in front of the speakers, you might be hit with a whopping 140 decibels. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.

So what should you do?

Safeguarding your hearing by using earplugs is one of the most beneficial things you can do. You will still be able to hear the music and enjoy the fireworks, just with reduced possible damage to your hearing. As alluring as it is, try not to keep creeping closer to those speakers as the night passes.

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. Be certain you and your family are wearing ear muffs or a hat. You might think of your children and grandchildren when you think of ear infections, but adults get them too. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they lead to irritation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.

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

Safely clean out earwax

That pesky earwax might get on your nerves, but it performs the essential purpose of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a concern, especially if it blocks your hearing.

Prevention is key to avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax. You might have spent many years using a cotton swab or another tool to get rid of earwax, but it’s time to stop that practice. Cotton swabs push the wax into your ear canal, causing a blockage and hearing loss.

Think about utilizing ear cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide or over-the-counter ear drops, to carefully clean your ears. Allow the drops to sit for a little while, then incline your head to facilitate drainage. 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 task.

Prescription or over-the-counter medicines might be to blame

If you started a new medication and discovered that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it might be the medication. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and various medications such as diuretics can trigger problems with hearing. If this is a problem for you, call your doctor immediately and ask whether you should continue taking your medications.

Be sure to have any decrease in your hearing immediately checked out.

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