Generally, when you’re first notice hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is try to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to protect your hearing and minimize further hearing loss.
Step 1: Keep Your Ears Clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? With regards to hearing health, however, we’re not concerned with the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free from wax accumulation can help your hearing in many different ways:
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This might make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
- Your brain and ability to decipher sound will ultimately be impacted by neglected hearing loss.
- Unkempt ears raise your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that (when serious enough) interferes with your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your regular hearing will normally come back.
- Sound can be blocked from reaching the inner ear when there’s too much wax buildup. This reduces your ability to hear.
You never turn to the use of a cotton swab to try and dig out excess earwax. Added damage can be caused by cotton swabs and they will often make it even harder to hear. Over the counter ear drops are a better idea.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one should almost be left off the list it’s so obvious. The issue is that most individuals aren’t entirely certain what a “loud noise” actually is. Over a long time period, for example, your hearing can be damaged by driving on a busy highway. The motor on your lawnmower can be fairly taxing on your ears, also. As you can see, it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears.
Here are some ways to stay away from damaging noise:
- When you can’t avoid loud settings, use hearing protection. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s great. But be certain to use the proper protection for your ears. A perfect illustration would be earplugs or earmuffs.
- Making use of an app on your phone to notify you when decibel levels get to dangerous thresholds.
- When you’re watching videos or listening to music keep the volume on your headphones at a manageable volume. Most phones include built-in warnings when you’re approaching a dangerous threshold.
Damage to the ears from noise doesn’t happen all of a sudden, it progresses gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. You can only get a clean bill of health for your ears by a hearing specialist.
Step #3: If You Have Any Hearing Loss – Get it Treated
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So recognizing any damage early will help prevent added injury. That’s why getting treated is incredibly important in terms of stopping hearing loss. Your hearing will get the greatest benefit if you seek out and follow through on effective treatment.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by using hearing aids. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also stop further degeneration of your hearing.
- We can provide individualized instructions and advice to help you prevent added damage to your ears.
- The chance of developing hearing loss related health issues is reduced by wearing hearing aids because they prevent social solitude and brain strain.
Decreasing Hearing Impairment Will Benefit You in The Long Run
Although we don’t have a cure for hearing loss, additional damage can be prevented with treatment. In many instances, hearing aids are one of the main ways to achieve that. The right treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you wear hearing protection, engage in good hygiene, and obtain hearing loss treatment, you’re taking the proper measures to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come.