Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets some basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. Symptoms and manifestations are due to many different issues – loud noises, genetics, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have trouble detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is try to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to protect your ears and control further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? When it involves hearing health, we’re not worried about the space behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in a number of ways by keeping your ears free of earwax:
- After a while, neglected hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- Your ability to hear can be hampered by inflammation which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of dirty ears. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will usually return.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also impede their functionality. If this occurs you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time reaching your inner ear if you have significant accumulation. As a result, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
You should never attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added 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 cause hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. The challenge is that most people have no clue what a “loud noise” actually is. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears, highway 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 as well. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be mindful to safeguard your hearing!
Some useful ways to steer clear of damaging noises include:
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to tunes, keep the headphone volume down. When you’re listening at hazardous volumes, most phones have built-in alerts.
- Wearing hearing protection when noisy environments are inescapable. 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. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- When decibel levels get too high, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” good after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
Hearing loss typically accumulates over time. So you’ll be better able to prevent further harm if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is extremely essential when it comes to restricting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
- We will provide personalized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social separation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent it. The correct treatment will help you preserve your present degree of hearing and prevent it from becoming worse.
When you wear hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the proper measures to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!