Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. 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 picture a scenario where you are unable to hear those sounds or they are dulled.

Missing out on these sounds can take the joy out of the season. The good thing is, many hearing problems are non permanent and can be resolved by addressing underlying causes that are often simple to fix or prevent. Take these actions to protect your hearing, and enjoy autumn to its fullest.

How to safeguard your hearing

It is clear and undeniable that prolonged exposure to loud noises can result in non permanent hearing impairment, and if the exposure goes on over time, it can become a lasting condition. Excessive volume can harm the delicate components of your inner ear, so it is important to take measures to minimize the danger.

A single, very loud noise like an explosion can cause temporary hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help limit the effects, that’s hard 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 indulging in your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.

Among the joys of autumn are outdoor gets together and concerts. The enjoyable weather continues, making it an ideal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and take pleasure in a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Use caution when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further away, the decibel level at concerts is usually in the danger zone.

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

Protecting 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 enjoy the fireworks, just with reduced possible harm to your hearing. Resist the impulse to edge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how tempting it may be.

Keep your ears safe in cool temperatures

Safeguarding your ears as the weather gets colder and more blustery is important to avoid infections. Make sure that you and your family have on ear protection like ear muffs or a hat. You may think of your children and grandchildren when you think of ear infections, but adults get them as well. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is an outcome of these infections, which also lead to irritation. You may 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 could be an indication of another medical issue, and lack of treatment is hazardous not just for your hearing but also for your overall health.

Carefully and successfully eliminate earwax

Earwax, in spite of being bothersome, plays a crucial role in catching dirt, bugs, and debris to stop 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 key to preventing hearing problems caused by earwax. You may have spent decades reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Using cotton swabs can force earwax deeper into your ear, potentially leading to a buildup and impaired hearing.

Consider utilizing ear cleaning solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to carefully clean your ears. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tip your head to let them drain. Consider consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist if ear cleaning seems daunting or if you suspect a severe blockage. They have special instruments to make the job easier.

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

If you started a new medicine and discovered that you suddenly have a more difficult time hearing, it might be the medication. Some antibiotics, high amounts of aspirin, and various medications like diuretics can cause problems with hearing. If you are concerned about this matter, consult your doctor as soon as possible to find out whether you should continue using your medication.

Be certain to have any decrease in your hearing promptly checked out.

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