Isn’t pizza fascinating? You can adjust the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few general factors, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. But as long as you have difficulty hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss whether it’s caused by genetic factors, age, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Minimizing the damage is the first thing you should do when confronted with hearing loss of any variety. There are, after all, some basic measures you can take to safeguard your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? But it’s your inner ears that we’re concerned with here, in terms of hearing health, not the back of your ears.
There are various ways that earwax buildup can affect your hearing:
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This might make you think that your hearing is going.
- Your risk of getting an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can result in swelling which will impede your hearing. Your hearing will normally go back to normal when the infection is gone.
- When wax accumulation becomes significant, it can block soundwaves from reaching your inner ear. Consequently, your ability to hear becomes decreased.
A cotton swab is definitely not the correct tool to use to clear any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. Cotton swabs can lead to damage and will typically make the problem worse. Over-the-counter ear drops are encouraged as an alternative.
Tip 2: Avoid loud sounds that could contribute to hearing loss
This is so evident that it kind of goes without saying. But what precisely comprises a “loud sound”? A highway, for example, can be loud enough that over an extended time period, it can damage your ears. Your ears can also be damaged by regular usage of your lawn mower. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are a number of ways to steer clear of loud, harmful noises.:
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when volumes get to dangerous thresholds.
- Abstaining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. The majority of phones offer built-in alerts when you’re approaching a dangerous limit.
- When you have to be in a loud setting, use hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? It’s fine if you want to attend that rock concert. But wear the necessary ear protection. You can get enough protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up slowly. So don’t just presume that your hearing is fine after a noisy event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in and see us can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
In most cases, hearing loss accumulates gradually over an extended time period. So, the sooner you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent additional damage. In terms of hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so essential. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible situation.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will help you stay clear of additional damage to your ears by supplying you with personalized instructions when you come in for a consultation.
- Some, but not all damage can be stopped by wearing hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. This will counter further noise-related damage.
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are exacerbated by social isolation and brain strain can be avoided by wearing hearing aids.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, hearing specialists are working hard to limit further harm to your hearing. In many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the best ways to achieve that. Your current level of hearing will be protected and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the proper treatment.
You’re taking the proper steps to prevent hearing loss and put yourself in the best situation to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, utilize ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.