Pizza is a fascinating thing. As long as a few factors are met, you can switch toppings, cheese, and sauce, and it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. But as long as you have a hard time hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Usually, when you’re facing hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you need to do is try to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some basic measures you can take to protect your ears and limit added hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those childhood hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? But it’s inside of your ears that we’re concerned with here, regarding hearing health, not the back of your ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax buildup can improve your hearing in several different ways:
- Your risk of getting an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can cause swelling which will impede your hearing. Your hearing will normally go back to normal when the infection is gone.
- Earwax accumulation also impedes the functionality of your hearing aid if you have one. This might give you the impression that your hearing is starting to fail.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be impeded when a significant amount of earwax accumulates. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
If you find earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will worsen the problem or cause added damage. As an alternative, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Stay away from loud noises that could cause hearing loss
This is so obvious that it sort of goes without saying. But what precisely comprises a “loud sound”? A highway, for example, can be loud enough that over an extended period of time, it can damage your ears. Your ears can also be damaged by regular use of your lawn mower. As you can tell, it’s not only blasting speakers or raucous rock concerts that harm your ears.
Here are a number of ways to avoid loud, damaging noises.:
- When you have to be in a noisy environment, use hearing protection. Are you working on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s awesome. But wear the required ear protection. You can get adequate protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When you’re listening to music or viewing videos, keep your headphone volume at safe levels. Most phones feature built-in warnings when you’re approaching a hazardous limit.
- When decibel levels become dangerously loud, you can utilize an app on your phone to alert you.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will progress gradually. So don’t simply presume that your hearing is okay after a noisy event, even if it feels fine. We can only help you determine if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: Manage any hearing loss you may have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. You’ll be in a better position to protect against additional damage if you recognize your hearing loss early. That’s why treatment is tremendously important when it comes to minimizing hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible situation.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing loss-related health problems that are exacerbated by social isolation and brain strain can be prevented by using hearing aids.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will stop you from cranking the volume of your television up so loud it becomes harmful. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also stop further impairment of your hearing.
- We will help you avoid further damage to your ears by providing you with individualized instructions when you come in for a consultation.
In the long run, you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, hearing specialists are focused on limiting further damage to your hearing. In many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the best ways to accomplish that. The right treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and stop it from worsening.
You’re taking the proper measures to minimize hearing loss and put yourself in the best situation to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, use ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.
