Pizza is an interesting 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. As long as you are having a hard time hearing sound, whether it’s related to a blockage, age, loud noise, or whatever else, it’s still hearing loss.
Stopping the damage is usually the first thing to do when you begin to notice hearing loss. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to safeguard your ears and control further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? But when it comes to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re worried about.
Your hearing can be benefited in numerous ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Untidy ears increase your risk of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when significant enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will usually return when then the infection clears up.
- When wax buildup becomes significant, it can block sound waves from reaching your inner ear. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also impede their functionality. This might make it seem like your hearing is worsening.
- After a while, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most situations, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause additional damage. You can get earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could result in hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. But determining what comprises “loud sound” is not easy for most people. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears, highway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears too. And, be careful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are some practical ways to avoid noise damage:
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud environment, wear hearing protection. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s fine. Just wear the correct hearing protection. You can get enough protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- When you’re watching movies or listening to tunes, watch your headphone volume. Most cellphones feature built-in warnings when you’re getting close to a harmful level.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when decibel levels reach unsafe thresholds.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” fine 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 might have
In general, hearing loss is accumulative. So you’ll be better able to prevent further harm if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is very crucial when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re unlikely to crank the tv up to harmful volumes. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social separation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with customized advice and instructions.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
Treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent hearing loss in spite of the fact that there’s no cure. The correct treatment will help you maintain your present level of hearing and prevent it from becoming worse.
In the years to come you will be giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!