Isn’t pizza great? As long as it meets a few standard criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. Symptoms and manifestations are due to many different issues – loud noises, genetics, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Typically, when you first notice hearing loss (regardless of the type), the first thing you should do is try to limit the damage. This is just one basic step you can take to protect your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? When it involves hearing health, we’re not concerned with the areas behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in numerous ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be impacted over time by neglected hearing loss.
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can block sound waves from reaching your inner ear. As a result, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also impede their operation. This may make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
- Untidy ears boost your risk of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when significant enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will typically return when then the infection goes away.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could result in hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. The challenge is that most people have no clue what a “loud noise” really is. There are many dangers to your hearing in day-to-day life including things as common as driving on a loud freeway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be damaged by things like your lawn mower engine. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be cautious to safeguard your hearing!
Some practical ways to avoid harmful noises include:
- When volume levels get too high, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
- When you’re watching movies or listening to music, watch your headphone volume. Most cellphones feature built-in alerts when you’re approaching a dangerous level.
- Wearing ear protection when noisy conditions are inescapable. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. Just wear the necessary hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs offer ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can let you know if you have hearing loss.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
In general, hearing loss is accumulative. So you’ll be in a better position to avoid further damage if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is incredibly important when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with personalized advice and instructions.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to turn the tv up to damaging volumes. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
- Brain strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-related health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
Treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there’s no cure. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will prevent additional damage while protecting your present degree of hearing.
In the years to come you will be providing yourself with the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!