Isn’t pizza cool? As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is similar. Symptoms and presentations are caused by many different problems – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have difficulty detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is normally the first step to take when you start to detect hearing loss. This is just one basic measure you can take to safeguard your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
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 worried about.
Your hearing can be benefited in a number of ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Unkempt ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when significant enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will typically return.
- Earwax accumulation also impedes the functioning of your hearing aid if you use one. This may make it seem as though your hearing is worsening.
- Sound waves will have a harder time getting into your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be affected over time by neglected hearing loss.
You should not ever try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. Cotton swabs can jam the earwax further up into the ear canal and can trigger even more damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could contribute to hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be fairly intuitive. But identifying what constitutes “loud sound” is not easy for most individuals. There are many risks to your hearing in day-to-day life including things as common as driving on a noisy highway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be compromised by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be careful to safeguard your ears!
Here are some practical ways to eliminate noise damage:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when the volume reaches hazardous levels.
- When you’re watching movies or listening to music, watch your headphone volume. When you’re listening at hazardous volumes, most phones have built-in alerts.
- Using hearing protection when noisy conditions are unavoidable. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s okay but remember your ear protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “feels” good after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can let you know if you have hearing loss.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
Hearing loss generally accumulates over time. So you’ll be in a better position to prevent further harm if you catch it early. So in terms of hearing loss, this is the reason why having it treated is so crucial. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social separation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with customized advice and instructions.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss properly will prevent further damage while preserving your current degree of hearing.
When you wear hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the proper measures to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!