Isn’t pizza cool? You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. Symptoms and presentations are caused by many different issues – loud noises, genetics, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have trouble hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Restricting the damage is normally the first thing to do when you start to notice hearing loss. There are, after all, some easy measures you can take to safeguard your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 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? But with regards to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re interested in.
Your hearing can be helped in numerous ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be affected over time by untreated hearing loss.
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the functioning of your hearing aid if you have one. If this happens you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- When wax accumulation becomes significant, it can stop sound waves from getting into your inner ear. Your hearing becomes jeopardized as a result.
- Unkempt ears increase your risk of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when significant enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will usually return.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could result in hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be fairly obvious. The challenge is that most individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” really is. There are many dangers to your hearing in day-to-day life and that includes things as common as driving on a noisy highway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be damaged by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And, be mindful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some practical ways to steer clear of harmful noises include:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach dangerous thresholds.
- Refrain from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. Most cellphones have built-in warnings when you’re approaching a harmful level.
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud setting, use hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s fine. Just use the necessary hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs offer ample protection.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is usually a slow progression. Your hearing can only get a clean bill of health by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
Hearing loss typically 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 essential when it comes to restricting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Treatment works like this:
- We will provide individualized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. The correct treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
In the years to come you will be giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!