Enjoy the Sounds of Autumn: How to Protect Your Hearing This Fall

couple hiking in the woods during fall season.

Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Imagine yourself sitting 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 hear these sounds can significantly diminish the festive atmosphere. The good thing is, many hearing issues are non permanent and can be resolved by dealing with underlying causes that are usually simple to correct or prevent. Follow these suggestions to protect your hearing and fully savor the autumn season.

How to protect your hearing

There is indisputable evidence showing that exposure to loud noises can result in short-term 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 sudden, extremely loud noise like an explosion can trigger short-term hearing loss, and although prompt medical assistance may decrease the effect, it is difficult to prevent. Prolonged exposure to sounds measuring 85 decibels or louder can cause 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 harm your hearing. Reconsider putting on earbuds and turning up the music, as the sound is even closer to your inner ear. Regrettably, there are no special allowances for enjoying your preferred song with earbuds or headphones.

Autumn’s celebrations typically feature outdoor get-togethers and live music events. The pleasant weather persists, making it an ideal time to head to a local park, where you can fire up a barbecue and enjoy a relaxing picnic on a blanket. Exercise prudence when sitting directly in front of the speakers as you could be dealing with a powerful 140 decibels of sound. Concerts often reach hazardous decibel levels even at a significant distance.

So what can 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 appreciate the fireworks, just with less possible damage to your hearing. As alluring as it is, try not to keep sneaking closer to those speakers as the night goes on.

Protect your ears from cold weather

It is essential to protect 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. While ear infections are frequently associated with children, they can also impact grown-ups, and it’s not only limited to parents and grandparents. These infections cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, and they lead to inflammation. You may experience fluid draining from your ear, pain, and hearing loss.

Get immediate medical attention if you’re noticing symptoms of an ear infection. It might be a sign of another medical problem, 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 may get on your nerves, but it serves the important function of trapping dirt, bugs, and debris before they reach your inner ear. If you have excessive earwax, though, it can be a problem, especially if it obstructs your hearing.

The first step in avoiding hearing problems caused by earwax is prevention. You might have spent decades reaching for a cotton swab or some other item to clear wax, but please break that habit. Making use of cotton swabs can jam earwax deeper into your ear, possibly resulting in a buildup and impaired hearing.

Try cleaning your ears by putting in drops of hydrogen peroxide or buying over-the-counter drops. Let the drops sit for a few minutes, and then tilt 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. They have specific tools to make the job easier.

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

A sudden decrease in your hearing abilities after starting a new medication might be a side effect of the medication itself. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, large doses of aspirin, and other drugs can lead to hearing problems. If this is an issue for you, call your physician immediately and inquire whether you should continue using your medications.

Remember, any changes in your hearing need to get assessed right away.

Contact a hearing care specialist if you are experiencing hearing loss this season.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.