Isn’t pizza great? As long as it meets a few standard criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. As long as you are having trouble hearing sound, whether it’s a result of a blockage, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you first notice hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is try to minimize the damage. This is only one simple step you can take to safeguard your hearing from further damage.
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.
Keeping your ears free of wax buildups can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- Sound waves will have a harder time reaching your inner ear if you have significant accumulation. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- Your ability to hear can be impeded by swelling which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of unclean ears. Your functional hearing will usually come back when then the infection clears up.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be affected over time by untreated hearing loss.
- Earwax accumulation also disrupts the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This might make it seem as though your hearing is getting worse.
You should not ever attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause additional damage. 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 result in hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. But identifying what constitutes “loud sound” isn’t easy for most people. There are lots of dangers to your hearing in day-to-day 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 pretty taxing on your ears too. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be mindful to safeguard your hearing!
Here are a few useful ways to avoid noise damage:
- When volume levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- Avoid turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to music. When you’re listening at hazardous levels, most phones have built-in alerts.
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud environment, wear hearing protection. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s fine but remember your hearing protection. You can get enough protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “seems” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
Generally speaking, hearing loss is accumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is the reason why getting it treated is so essential. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social separation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
- We will provide customized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
Limit hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
Treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there’s no cure. Treating your hearing loss properly will stop further damage while protecting your current degree of hearing.
In the years to come you will be giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!