Pizza is an interesting thing. You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets a few standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. Symptoms and presentations are a consequence of many different issues – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you first notice hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is attempt to limit the damage. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to safeguard your ears and control further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your parents used to always ask “did you clean behind your ears”? In terms of hearing health, we’re not concerned with the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildups can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- When wax buildup becomes significant, it can stop sound waves from getting into your inner ear. Your hearing becomes jeopardized as a result.
- Unkempt ears boost your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when severe enough, impedes your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will typically come back when then the infection clears up.
- Earwax buildup also disrupts the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This could make it seem as though your hearing is worsening.
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be impacted over time by neglected hearing loss.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most situations, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could result in hearing loss
This one should be fairly obvious. The problem is that most individuals have no clue what a “loud noise” really is. There are many dangers to your hearing in day-to-day life and that includes things as common as driving on a noisy freeway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears also. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be cautious to protect your ears!
Some useful ways to avoid damaging noises include:
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, keep the headphone volume down. Most cellphones have built-in alerts when you’re nearing a harmful level.
- When volume levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- Using hearing protection when noisy environments are unavoidable. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s fine but remember your ear protection. You can get enough protection from contemporary earplugs and earmuffs.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a noisy 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, have it treated
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So you’ll be better able to avoid further harm if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is extremely crucial when it comes to restricting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
- We will provide individualized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
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. The appropriate treatment will help you preserve your current degree of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you use hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the correct measures to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!