Pizza is an interesting thing. As long as a few factors are met, you can change toppings, cheese, and sauce, and it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by many different issues, loud noises, genetic factors, age, or ear obstructions, but as long as you have a hard time hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you need to do is try to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to protect your ears and limit additional hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those childhood hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? But it’s inside of your ears that we’re concerned with here, in terms of hearing health, not the back of your ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax accumulation can improve your hearing in a variety of different ways:
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This might make you think that your hearing is starting to fail.
- Unclean ears raise your risk of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that when severe enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will normally return (but that’s something you should consult a doctor about).
- Sound waves going to your ears can be impeded when a substantial amount of earwax builds up. When this takes place you won’t be able to hear as well.
If you observe earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not suggested that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can cause damage and will almost always make the problem worse. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Very loud noises should be avoided
This one is so instinctive it practically shouldn’t be on the list. The problem is that the majority of individuals are hard-pressed to characterize what a “loud noise” really is. For instance, freeway travel can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears, as well. As you can see, it’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears.
Some practical ways to avoid harmful noises include:
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
- Abstaining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. The majority of phones include built-in alerts when you’re approaching a damaging threshold.
- Wearing hearing protection when noisy environments are necessary. Are you working on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s awesome. But use the necessary hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs supply adequate protection.
There’s a slow development to hearing loss that’s due to loud sound. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only if you come in for a hearing exam can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, deal with it
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. You’ll be in a better position to protect against additional damage if you recognize your hearing loss early on. When it comes to hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so significant. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
- We will help you stay clear of additional damage to your ears by supplying you with individualized guidance when you come in for a consultation.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. If you’re wearing hearing aids, for example, you won’t always have to turn volumes up to harmful levels. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also stop further degeneration of your hearing.
Limit hearing loss – it will benefit you over the long haul
While we know that hearing loss can’t be cured, hearing specialists are working hard to limit further damage to your hearing. In many cases, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to achieve that. The correct treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you use ear protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the proper steps to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come.