Isn’t pizza interesting? As long as a few criteria are met, you can alter toppings, cheese, and sauce, and it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. But as long as you have trouble hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Normally, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you need to do is try to minimize the damage. You can, after all, take some basic steps to limit further damage and protect your ears.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? But it’s inside of your ears that we’re worried about here, when it comes to hearing health, not the back of your ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax accumulation can help your hearing in a variety of different ways:
- When wax buildup becomes significant, it can prevent soundwaves from reaching your inner ear. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- Your chance of developing an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can lead to inflammation which will obstruct your hearing. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will normally return (but that’s something you should talk to a doctor about).
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This may give you the impression that your hearing is starting to fail.
A cotton swab is definitely not the correct tool to use to get any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. Cotton swabs can cause damage and will typically worsen the situation. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Steer clear of loud sounds that could result in hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. The problem is that most individuals are hard-pressed to determine what a “loud noise” actually is. For example, freeway travel can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. Your ears can also be harmed by regular use of your lawn mower. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are a few ways to avoid loud, harmful noises.:
- When you’re listening to tunes or viewing videos, keep the volume of your headphones at safe levels. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in warning.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when volumes get to unsafe levels.
- When you need to be in a noisy setting, utilize hearing protection. Do you work on a loud factory floor? It’s okay if you want to attend that rock concert. Just use the necessary hearing protection. You can get plenty of protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
There’s a gradual advancement to hearing loss that’s caused by loud sound. So don’t simply presume that your hearing is okay after a loud event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in for a hearing exam can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
In most cases, hearing loss accumulates slowly over a long period of time. You’ll be in a better position to stop further damage if you identify your hearing loss early. In terms of hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so important. Your hearing will be in the best position if you get treatment and follow through with it.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are worsened by social solitude and brain strain can be avoided by wearing hearing aids.
- Some, but not all damage can be stopped by using hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it becomes harmful. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further impairment of your hearing.
- We will help you avoid additional damage to your ears by supplying you with individualized guidance when you come in for an assessment.
In the long run, you will be helped by using hearing aids
While it’s true that hearing loss has no cure, hearing specialists are working hard to limit additional damage to your hearing. Treatment of hearing loss is usually one of the best approaches to that. The right treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you use hearing protection, maintain good hygiene, and get hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the proper steps to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come.
