Isn’t pizza great? You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. Symptoms and presentations are a consequence of many different problems – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Typically, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is attempt to limit the damage. This is just one basic step you can take to protect your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? But in terms of the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re worried about.
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 untreated hearing loss.
- Earwax buildup also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. If this happens you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Your ability to hear can be hampered by inflammation which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of unclean ears. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will usually come back.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time getting into your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could contribute to hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be fairly intuitive. The issue is that most individuals have no clue what a “loud noise” actually is. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears, freeway driving can be noisy enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears too. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be careful to protect your hearing!
Here are a few practical ways to avoid noise damage:
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, watch your headphone volume. Most cellphones feature built-in alerts when you’re approaching a dangerous level.
- Using hearing protection when loud conditions are not avoidable. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s fine. Just use the necessary ear protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs give ample protection.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach damaging thresholds.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “seems” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only get a clean bill of health by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
Hearing loss generally builds over time. So you’ll be in a better position to prevent further damage if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is extremely important when it comes to controlling hearing loss. 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:
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to turn up the tv to harmful volumes. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
- We will provide personalized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
- Brain strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-associated health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will prevent additional damage while protecting your current level of hearing.
When you use hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the correct steps to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!