Isn’t pizza great? 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 also like hearing loss. 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.
Typically, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is attempt to limit the damage. There are, after all, some easy 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.
Keeping your ears clear of wax accumulation can help your hearing in a few different ways:
- Your ability to hear can be impeded by swelling which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of unclean ears. Your functional hearing will typically come back when then the infection goes away.
- Over time, neglected hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can stop sound waves from reaching your inner ear. Your hearing becomes jeopardized as a result.
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the functioning of your hearing aid if you have one. This may make it seem like your hearing is getting worse.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so instinctive it almost doesn’t need to be on this list. But determining what constitutes “loud sound” is not easy for most individuals. There are lots of dangers 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 damaged by things like your lawn mower engine. And, be mindful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are a few practical ways to eliminate noise damage:
- Refrain from cranking the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. Most cellphones include built-in warnings when you’re getting close to a dangerous level.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when the volume reaches unsafe thresholds.
- Using ear protection when noisy environments are not avoidable. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s okay but don’t forget your hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will accumulate gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
Hearing loss typically builds over time. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent further damage. That’s why treatment is incredibly crucial when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. For example, 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 help you avoid further damage by providing you with individualized advice and guidelines.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
Treatment is one of the main ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there’s no cure. The appropriate treatment will help you preserve your current 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!