Pizza is an interesting thing. You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets some basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. Symptoms and manifestations are due to many different issues – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have trouble detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Stopping the damage is normally the first thing to do when you start to detect hearing loss. There are, after all, some basic 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 early hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not concerned with the space behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildups can help your hearing in numerous different ways:
- Unkempt ears boost your risk of getting an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when severe enough, impedes your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will typically return when then the infection goes away.
- Sound waves will have a harder time reaching your inner ear if you have substantial accumulation. Your hearing becomes jeopardized as a result.
- Earwax buildup also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This may make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
- Over time, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
You should never try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. Cotton swabs can jam the earwax further up into the ear canal and can cause even more harm. You can buy earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could contribute to hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be fairly obvious. But determining what comprises “loud sound” isn’t very easy for most individuals. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears, 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 safeguard your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some practical ways to steer clear of damaging noises include:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach unsafe thresholds.
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, keep the headphone volume down. When you’re listening at hazardous volumes, most phones have built-in alerts.
- Using ear protection when noisy 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 modern earplugs and earmuffs.
So if you go to a noisy event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is often a slow progression. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is accumulative. So you’ll be in a better position to avoid further damage if you catch it early. So in terms of hearing loss, this is the reason why getting it treated is so essential. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you observe the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re unlikely to crank up the tv to damaging volumes. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
- We will provide customized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
Treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there is no cure. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will prevent further damage while protecting your present degree of hearing.
When you wear hearing protection, practice good 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 chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!
