Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets some standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. Symptoms and presentations are due to many different issues – loud noises, genetics, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have trouble detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Typically, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (regardless of the type), the first thing you should do is try to limit the damage. There are, after all, some basic measures you can take to protect your ears and control further hearing loss.
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 worried about the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax accumulation can help your hearing in numerous different ways:
- Untidy ears increase your risk of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when severe enough, impedes your ability to hear. Your normal hearing will typically come back when then the infection clears up.
- Earwax buildup also disrupts the functioning of your hearing aid if you use one. This could make it seem as though your hearing is getting worse.
- Over time, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- When wax buildup becomes substantial, it can stop sound waves from reaching your inner ear. As a result, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added damage. You can get earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local pharmacy which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. The problem is that most people have no clue what a “loud noise” actually is. There are many risks to your hearing in everyday life including things as common as driving on a loud freeway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears as well. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be cautious to safeguard your hearing!
Here are some useful ways to eliminate noise damage:
- When decibel levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud setting, use hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s cool. Just wear the necessary ear protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs offer ample protection.
- Refrain from cranking the volume up on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to tunes. Most cellphones feature built-in warnings when you’re getting close to a hazardous threshold.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
In general, hearing loss is accumulative. So you’ll be in a better position to avoid further damage if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is very important when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
- We will give you customized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social separation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
Limit hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. The appropriate treatment will help you preserve your present level of hearing and prevent it from becoming worse.
In the years to come you will be providing yourself with the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice quality hygiene!