Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Picture yourself in a cozy setting, enveloped by the warmth and joy of the season – the sound of children’s giggles on Halloween, the rustle of leaves under your feet on a brisk autumn day, the soothing crackle of a fire, and the love and laughter of family gathered 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 joy out of the season. The good news is, if you have issues with your hearing, it might be short-term and caused by things that are easily avoided or fixable. Follow these guidelines to protect your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.

How to protect your hearing

There is indisputable evidence showing that exposure to loud sounds can result in temporary hearing loss and that long-term exposure can turn it into an irreversible issue. Loud noises damage the sensitive parts of your inner ear, and you should do what you can to minimize the issue.

A one-time, very loud noise like an explosion can cause short-term hearing loss, and while immediate medical attention can help minimize the effects, that’s difficult to avoid. Lengthier 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 is about 85 decibels, while sirens reach a far louder 120 decibels. Firecrackers and fireworks can also damage your hearing. Think twice about putting on earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. (Regrettably, there are no exceptions for your favorite song when it comes to earbuds or headphones.)

Autumn’s festivities typically feature outdoor parties and live music events. The weather is still lovely, and you might find yourself in a park where you can set up a grill and lay down a blanket. Exercise prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be exposed to a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Even further back, the decibel level at concerts is often in the danger zone.

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

The best thing you can do for yourself is to use earplugs. You will still be able to hear the music and enjoy the fireworks, just with reduced potential damage to your hearing. Resist the urge to nudge closer to the speakers as the evening goes on, no matter how tempting it might be.

Protect your ears from cold weather

It is essential to safeguard your ears from infections as the temperature drops and the wind becomes more powerful. 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. These infections cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear, and they lead to irritation. You might experience fluid draining from your ear, soreness, and hearing loss.

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

Carefully and effectively eliminate earwax

That annoying earwax might get on your nerves, but it performs the important function of capturing dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, though, it can be a concern, particularly if it obstructs your hearing.

Prevention is essential to preventing 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, such as hydrogen peroxide or store-bought ear drops, to carefully cleanse your ears. 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, consult a hearing specialist. Special tools are available to them that will streamline the job.

Medications may be the cause

If you beging taking a new medicine and discovered that you suddenly have a harder time hearing, it could be the medication. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If this is a problem for you, contact your doctor right away and ask whether you should continue using your medications.

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

If you’re detecting a decrease in your hearing this season, think about consulting an audiologist or hearing specialist for assistance.