Isn’t pizza cool? You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. 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.
Limiting the damage is usually the first step to take when you begin to notice hearing loss. This is just one simple step you can take to protect your hearing from further harm.
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? But in terms of the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re worried about.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildups can help your hearing in a few different ways:
- Untidy ears boost your risk of getting an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will typically come back when then the infection goes away.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time reaching your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also impede their operation. If this happens you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be affected over time by neglected hearing loss.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could lead to hearing loss
This one should be pretty obvious. But identifying what constitutes “loud sound” isn’t easy for most people. There are lots of 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, be mindful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some practical ways to steer clear of damaging noises include:
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to tunes, watch your headphone volume. When you’re listening at unsafe levels, most phones have built-in warnings.
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud setting, use ear protection. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. Just use the correct ear protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs give ample protection.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach damaging levels.
So if you go to a noisy event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is often a gradual progression. Only a hearing specialist can let you know if you have hearing loss.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. That’s why treatment is extremely essential when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible state.
Treatment works like this:
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- Mental strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-associated 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 main ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there is no cure. Treating your hearing loss properly will prevent additional damage while maintaining your present degree of hearing.
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 quality hygiene!