What are your favourite autumn sounds? The soft crunch of fallen leaves underfoot? The giggles of your grandkids with trick-or-treat bags in hand? Or maybe skates carving up the ice at a 91Ô­´´ 91Ô­´´ game. 

These sounds, and many more like it, are a central part of life – and our enjoyment of it. 

That's why it's important to care for our hearing, no matter the season or our age. And if you're not hearing those cherished sounds as well as you used to, it's time to check in with a qualified hearing professional who can assess the cause of the hearing loss and create a custom solution based on your situation and needs. 

"Our hearing is not only vital for communicating with people around us, it's also central to how we experience the world," explains Kim Galick, Registered Hearing Instrument Specialist and owner of in 91Ô­´´. "Sound – whether from children at Halloween or the roar of the hockey crowd – can bring us back in an instant to time or place. Losing that changes our ability to navigate our community and how we enjoy our experiences."

So, as we head into fall, what are some of the ways we can protect our hearing?

• Avoid loud noises – Protecting your ears from loud noise is essential year-round, but with more time spent at indoor events and work settings this season, the likelihood of noise-related damage is higher. Wear ear protection when needed, be mindful of potentially harmful noise and avoid turning headphones too loud.
• Stay healthy – Like colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses, ear infections are. Possible in children and adults, infections often follow a cold, flu or allergy and cause pain and temporary hearing challenges. If the ear infection doesn't clear up within, consult a medical professional.
• Protect ears from cold – With chilly temperatures on the way, it's important to keep a toque, ear muffs or scarf handy to protect your ears from the cold. Cold, blowing wind can cause earache, and while cold weather itself doesn't cause an ear infection, cold temperatures can make the discomfort feel worse.
• Seek proper care for wax build-up – While many turn to cotton swabs to alleviate wax build-up, they often just push the wax farther in. Instead, consult your pharmacist for safer over-the-counter options or visit your healthcare provider for assistance removing the wax safely.

Take your next step towards better hearing today and book your free hearing consultation online at , by phone at 604-427-2828, or via email at info@earslangley.com. Find Ears Hearing at and follow them on .

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