Isn’t pizza great? You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. As long as you are having a hard time hearing sound, whether it’s related to an obstruction, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Stopping the damage is usually the first step to take when you begin to detect hearing loss. This is just one simple measure you can take to protect your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? When it comes to hearing health, we aren’t worried about the space behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Your hearing can be helped in several ways by keeping your ears free of earwax:
- Untidy ears increase your risk of getting an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your normal hearing will typically come back when then the infection clears.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time getting into your inner ear if you have substantial buildup. Your hearing becomes jeopardized as a result.
- Earwax accumulation also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make it seem like your hearing is getting worse.
- After a while, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
You should not ever try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. Cotton swabs can push the earwax further up into the ear canal and can cause even more damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Try to avoid loud noises that could lead to hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. But determining what comprises “loud sound” is not very easy for most people. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your hearing, freeway driving can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be compromised by things like your lawn mower engine. And, be careful to safeguard your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are a few useful ways to eliminate noise damage:
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when decibel levels reach dangerous thresholds.
- When you’re watching movies or listening to music, keep the headphone volume down. When you’re listening at hazardous levels, most phones have built-in warnings.
- Using ear protection when noisy situations are inescapable. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s fine but remember your hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine 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: Treat any hearing loss you may have
In general, hearing loss is accumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent further damage. That’s why treatment is extremely essential when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will provide customized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social separation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will stop you from turning 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.
Limit hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss correctly will prevent additional damage while maintaining your current level 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 quality hygiene!
