Isn’t pizza interesting? You can switch the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it satisfies a few basic factors, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. But as long as you have a hard time hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s caused by genetic factors, age, blockages, or exposure to loud noise.
Limiting the damage is the first thing you should do when facing hearing loss of any type. You can, after all, take some basic measures to limit additional damage and protect your ears.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
Did you wash behind your ears? It’s one of those childhood hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? With regards to hearing health, we’re not worried about the places behind your ears, but rather inside of your ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax buildup can help your hearing in several different ways:
- Unkempt ears raise your chances of getting an ear infection, which creates inflammation that when significant enough, disrupts your hearing. Your hearing will normally go back to normal when the infection is gone.
- When wax buildup becomes substantial, it can stop soundwaves from reaching your inner ear. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes decreased.
- Earwax accumulation also impedes the functionality of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make you think that your hearing is going.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added damage. As an alternative, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Steer clear of loud noises that could contribute to hearing loss
This is so obvious that it kind of goes without saying. But what precisely comprises a “loud sound”? For instance, highway travel can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. The engine on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears, also. As you can tell, it isn’t only blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears.
Some practical ways to stay away from damaging noises include:
- Using hearing protection when noisy environments are unavoidable. Are you working on a loud industrial floor? It’s okay if you want to attend that rock concert. But use the required ear protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide sufficient protection.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when decibel levels get to unsafe thresholds.
- When you’re listening to music or viewing videos, keep the volume of your headphones at safe levels. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in warning.
There’s a gradual development to hearing loss that’s due to loud sound. So don’t simply presume that your hearing is fine after a loud event, even if it feels fine. We can only help you determine if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, deal with it
In most instances, hearing loss accumulates slowly over an extended period of time. You’ll be in a better position to stop additional damage if you recognize your hearing loss early on. In terms of hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so essential. Your hearing will be in the best position if you get treatment and follow through with it.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health conditions.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by using hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. This will prevent further noise-related damage.
- We will help you avoid additional damage to your ears by providing you with individualized guidance when you come in for an assessment.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you over the long haul
While we know that hearing loss has no cure, hearing specialists are working hard to limit additional damage to your ears. Treatment of hearing loss is usually one of the best approaches to that. Your current level of hearing will be maintained and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the correct treatment.
You’re taking the correct steps to minimize hearing loss and put yourself in the best situation to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, utilize ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.
