Isn’t pizza cool? You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets some standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. Symptoms and manifestations are due to many different problems – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have trouble hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Typically, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is attempt to limit the damage. This is just one simple step you can take to protect your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? In terms of hearing health, we’re not worried about the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in a number of ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Your ability to hear can be hampered by inflammation which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of unclean ears. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will usually return.
- Earwax buildup also disrupts the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. If this occurs you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- When wax buildup becomes significant, it can stop sound waves from reaching your inner ear. As a result, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
- After a while, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can jam the earwax further up into the ear canal and can cause even more damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be fairly obvious. But identifying what constitutes “loud sound” is not easy for most individuals. There are lots of risks to your hearing in everyday life including things as common as driving on a loud freeway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be damaged by things like your lawn mower engine. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be careful to safeguard your ears!
Some useful ways to steer clear of damaging noises include:
- When you’re watching movies or listening to music, keep the headphone volume down. Most cellphones have built-in warnings when you’re nearing a harmful level.
- Wearing ear protection when noisy conditions are inescapable. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s fine. Just wear the necessary ear protection. You can get plenty of protection from contemporary earplugs and earmuffs.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when decibel levels reach hazardous thresholds.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is often a gradual progression. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
Hearing loss typically accumulates over time. So you’ll be in a better position to prevent further damage if you catch it early. So in terms of hearing loss, this is why having it treated is so significant. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you observe the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health issues.
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with personalized advice and instructions.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. For instance, hearing aids will stop 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.
In the long run you will be benefited by using hearing aids
Treatment is one of the main ways to prevent hearing loss in spite of the fact that there’s no cure. The correct treatment will help you maintain your current degree of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you use hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the best measures to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!