Isn’t pizza fascinating? You can alter the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few basic factors, it’s still a pizza. That’s a lot like hearing loss. But as long as you have a hard time hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss whether it’s caused by genetic factors, age, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Minimizing the damage is the first thing you should do when confronted with hearing loss of any type. There are, after all, some simple steps you can take to protect your ears and limit additional hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? In terms of hearing health, we aren’t concerned with the places behind your ears, but rather inside of your ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax accumulation can help your hearing in a variety of different ways:
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a substantial amount of earwax accumulates. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- Unkempt ears raise your risk of getting an ear infection, which creates swelling that when significant enough, interferes with your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will usually return (but that’s something you should consult a doctor about).
- Earwax buildup also impedes the functionality of your hearing aid if you have one. This could make it seem as though your hearing is diminishing.
If you observe earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most circumstances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added harm. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended instead.
Tip 2: Steer clear of loud sounds that could cause hearing loss
This is so evident that it kind of goes without saying. The problem is that the majority of people are hard-pressed to characterize what a “loud noise” really is. For instance, freeway travel can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long amount of time. The engine on your lawnmower can be very straining on your ears, as well. As you can see, it isn’t only blasting speakers or raucous rock concerts that damage your ears.
Here are a number of ways to avoid loud, damaging noises.:
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
- Using ear protection when loud environments are necessary. Do you work on a loud industrial floor? It’s fine if you want to attend that rock concert. But use the necessary hearing protection. You can get enough protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- Abstaining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re viewing videos or listening to tunes. Most phones offer built-in warnings when you’re approaching a damaging limit.
There’s a slow advancement to hearing loss that’s due to loud sound. So don’t just presume that your hearing is okay after a loud event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in and see us can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
In general, hearing loss is progressive. You’ll be in a better position to prevent further damage if you identify your hearing loss early on. When it comes to hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so crucial. Your hearing will be in the best position if you get treatment and implement it.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health conditions.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by wearing hearing aids. If you’re using hearing aids, for example, you won’t always need to turn volumes up to harmful levels. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also stop further deterioration of your hearing.
- When you come in for a consultation we will give you individualized instructions and advice to help you steer clear of additional damage to your ears.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you over the long haul
Despite the fact that we’re not able to cure hearing loss, we are doing hard work to help you prevent additional damage. In many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to achieve that. The correct treatment will help you protect your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you wear hearing protection, maintain good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the correct measures to prevent hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance of healthy hearing in the years to come.