Pizza is a fascinating thing. As long as it meets a few standard criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. As long as you are having trouble hearing sound, whether it’s a result of an obstruction, age, loud noise, or whatever else, it’s still hearing loss.
Stopping the damage is usually the first thing to do when you start to notice hearing loss. This is just one simple measure you can take to safeguard your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Remember when your mom used to constantly ask “did you wash behind your ears”? In terms of hearing health, we’re not worried about the space behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Your hearing can be helped in numerous ways by keeping your ears free of earwax:
- Sound waves will have a harder time reaching your inner ear if you have substantial accumulation. As a result, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
- Untidy ears increase your risk of getting an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will typically come back when then the infection clears.
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be affected over time by neglected hearing loss.
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their functionality. This might make it seem as though your hearing is worsening.
You should never attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. Cotton swabs can push the earwax further up into the ear canal and can trigger even more harm. You can get earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local pharmacy which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Try to avoid loud noises that could lead to hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. But defining what comprises “loud sound” is not easy for most individuals. There are many dangers to your hearing in everyday life and that includes things as common as driving on a noisy highway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be very straining on your ears too. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be cautious to safeguard your ears!
Here are some useful ways to eliminate noise damage:
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to tunes, watch your headphone volume. When you’re listening at harmful levels, most phones have built-in alerts.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach damaging levels.
- Wearing ear protection when loud situations are unavoidable. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s okay but remember your hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
So if you go to a loud 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: Treat any hearing loss you may have
Hearing loss generally builds over time. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. So in terms of hearing loss, this is the reason why having it treated is so significant. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health issues.
- We will give you personalized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to turn up the tv to damaging volumes. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
Treatment is one of the main ways to prevent hearing loss in spite of the fact that there’s no cure. The appropriate treatment will help you preserve your present level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you wear hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the best steps to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!
