Isn’t pizza great? As long as it meets a few standard criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. As long as you are having trouble hearing sound, whether it’s a result of a blockage, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is usually the first step to take when you start to detect hearing loss. There are, after all, some easy steps you can take to protect your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Remember when your mom used to constantly ask “did you wash behind your ears”? But when it comes to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re concerned with.
Keeping your ears clear of wax accumulation can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the functioning of your hearing aid if you have one. If this happens you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be impacted over time by untreated hearing loss.
- Sound waves will have a harder time getting into your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
- Untidy ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when severe enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will usually return.
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 additional damage. You can get earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could result in hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so intuitive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. The problem is that most people have no clue what a “loud noise” really is. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears, freeway driving can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be compromised by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be cautious to safeguard your ears!
Some practical ways to avoid harmful noises include:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when the volume reaches hazardous levels.
- Refrain from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to tunes. Most cellphones have built-in warnings when you’re getting close to a dangerous threshold.
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud setting, use hearing protection. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s okay but remember your hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
So if you go to a noisy event and your hearing feels fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is usually a slow progression. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
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 follow the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- We will provide individualized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
Treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent hearing loss in spite of the fact that there is no cure. The appropriate treatment will help you maintain your current degree of hearing and prevent it from becoming worse.
When you use hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the proper steps to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!