Pizza is a fascinating thing. As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. Symptoms and presentations are a consequence of many different problems – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have trouble hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Restricting the damage is usually the first thing to do when you start to notice hearing loss. This is only one simple step you can take to safeguard your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
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 interested in.
Your hearing can be benefited in several ways by keeping your ears free of earwax:
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time reaching your inner ear if you have significant buildup. As a result, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- Your ability to hear can be obstructed by swelling which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of dirty ears. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will usually come back.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their operation. This could make it seem as if your hearing is worsening.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be impacted over time by untreated hearing loss.
You should never attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. Cotton swabs can push the earwax further up into the ear canal and can trigger even more damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could lead to hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. But identifying what constitutes “loud sound” isn’t easy for most people. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your hearing, highway driving can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be compromised by things like your lawn mower engine. And, be mindful to safeguard your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are some practical ways to eliminate noise damage:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach damaging levels.
- Refrain from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to tunes. When you’re listening at dangerous levels, most phones have built-in alerts.
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud setting, wear hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s fine. Just use the correct ear protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is usually a gradual progression. Your hearing can only get a clean bill of health by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
In general, hearing loss is accumulative. So you’ll be better able to avoid further harm if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is very essential when it comes to controlling hearing loss. 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:
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to crank the tv up to damaging volumes. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social separation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
- We will provide individualized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. The correct treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you wear hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the best steps to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!