Isn’t pizza great? You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. As long as you are having trouble hearing sound, whether it’s caused by a blockage, age, loud noise, or anything else, 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: 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? In terms of hearing health, we’re not worried about the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Your hearing can be helped in several ways by keeping your ears free of earwax:
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also impede their operation. If this occurs you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Over time, neglected hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time reaching your inner ear if you have substantial buildup. Your hearing becomes jeopardized as a result.
- Untidy ears increase your chances of getting an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will usually return.
You should not ever attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things 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 is so instinctive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. But determining what comprises “loud sound” isn’t easy for most individuals. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your hearing, freeway driving can be noisy enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be compromised by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And, be mindful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are some useful ways to eliminate noise damage:
- Avoid cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. When you’re listening at dangerous levels, most phones have built-in alerts.
- Wearing ear protection when loud environments are unavoidable. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s fine but remember your hearing protection. You can get enough protection from contemporary earplugs and earmuffs.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when the volume reaches dangerous levels.
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 gradual progression. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
Hearing loss typically accumulates over time. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. That’s why treatment is incredibly crucial when it comes to controlling hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- Mental strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-associated health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
- We will provide individualized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will prevent further damage while protecting your present 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 best measures to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!
