Isn’t pizza great? As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. As long as you are having a hard time hearing sound, whether it’s related to an obstruction, age, loud noise, or whatever else, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is usually the first thing to do when you begin to notice hearing loss. This is only one simple step you can take to protect 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? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not concerned with the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildups can help your hearing in a few different ways:
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be impacted over time by neglected hearing loss.
- Your ability to hear can be hampered by swelling which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of unclean ears. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will typically come back.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also impede their functionality. If this happens you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time reaching your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
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 cause even more damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could contribute to hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be fairly obvious. But determining what comprises “loud sound” is not easy for most people. There are many hazards to your hearing in everyday life and that includes things as common as driving on a noisy freeway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be damaged by things like your lawn mower engine. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be mindful to protect your hearing!
Some practical ways to avoid harmful noises include:
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when the volume reaches dangerous thresholds.
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud environment, wear ear protection. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s okay but don’t forget your hearing protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- When you’re watching movies or listening to music, keep the headphone volume down. Most cellphones have built-in warnings when you’re nearing a dangerous level.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is accumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent further damage. That’s why treatment is incredibly essential when it comes to restricting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you observe the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with customized advice and guidelines.
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to crank up the tv to dangerous volumes. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
Treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent hearing loss in spite of the fact that there is no cure. The correct treatment will help you preserve your present level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you use hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the proper steps to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!