Pizza is an interesting 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 similar. 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.
Stopping the damage is usually the first thing to do when you start to detect hearing loss. This is just one simple measure you can take to protect your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? But with regards to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re concerned with.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildups can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- Sound waves will have a harder time getting into your inner ear if you have significant buildup. As a result, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their functionality. If this happens you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- After a while, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- Unkempt ears boost your risk of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will typically return when then the infection clears up.
You should never try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause additional 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 contribute to hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be fairly intuitive. The problem is that most individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” really is. 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. The motor on your lawnmower can be very straining on your ears as well. And, be mindful to safeguard your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are some practical ways to avoid noise damage:
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud setting, 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 ear protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- When you’re watching movies or listening to tunes, keep the headphone volume down. Most cellphones feature built-in alerts when you’re nearing a dangerous level.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when the volume reaches damaging thresholds.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “seems” fine after a noisy 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
Hearing loss generally accumulates over time. So you’ll be in a better position to avoid further harm if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is extremely important when it comes to controlling hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you observe the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. With a hearing aid, you’re unlikely to crank the tv up to damaging volumes. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
- Mental strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-related health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with personalized advice and guidelines.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
Treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there’s no cure. The appropriate treatment will help you maintain your present degree of hearing and prevent it from becoming worse.
When you use hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the correct steps to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!