Isn’t pizza great? As long as it meets a few standard criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is similar. As long as you are having trouble hearing sound, whether it’s due to a blockage, age, loud noise, or whatever else, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is usually the first step to take when you begin to notice hearing loss. There are, after all, some simple steps you can take to protect your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? But in terms of the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re concerned with.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildups can help your hearing in a few different ways:
- Unkempt ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when significant enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your normal hearing will usually return when then the infection clears.
- Earwax accumulation also impedes the functioning of your hearing aid if you have one. This may make it seem like your hearing is getting worse.
- After a while, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can block sound waves from getting into your inner ear. As a result, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can push the earwax further up into the ear canal and can trigger even more harm. You can buy earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local pharmacy which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could result in hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so intuitive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. The problem is that most individuals have no clue what a “loud noise” actually is. There are lots of dangers to your hearing in day-to-day life including things as common as driving on a loud freeway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears also. And, be mindful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are a few useful ways to avoid noise damage:
- When decibel levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- Using hearing protection when noisy conditions are inescapable. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s fine. Just wear the correct hearing protection. You can get enough protection from contemporary earplugs and earmuffs.
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to tunes, watch your headphone volume. Most cellphones have built-in warnings when you’re getting close to a harmful threshold.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only get a clean bill of health by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
Hearing loss typically accumulates over time. So you’ll be better able to prevent further harm if you catch it early. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is why having it treated is so significant. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you observe the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social separation that worsen hearing loss-related health issues.
- We will provide personalized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
In the long run you will be benefited by using hearing aids
Treatment is one of the main ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there is no cure. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will stop additional damage while protecting your present degree of hearing.
In the years to come you will be giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!