Pizza is an interesting thing. As long as a few criteria are met, you can change toppings, cheese, and sauce, and 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 variety. You can, after all, take some simple measures to limit additional damage and protect your ears.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? With regards to hearing health, we’re not worried about the parts behind your ears, but rather inside of your ears.
There are various ways that earwax buildup can affect your hearing:
- If you use a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This could give you the impression that your hearing is going.
- Your chance of developing an ear infection is increased if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can result in swelling which will interfere with your hearing. When your ear infection goes away, your regular hearing will normally return (but that’s something you should consult a doctor about).
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can stop soundwaves from getting into your inner ear. When this happens you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
If you observe earwax accumulation, it’s definitely not suggested that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can cause damage and will typically worsen the situation. As an alternative, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Steer clear of loud noises that could result in hearing loss
This is so obvious that it kind of goes without saying. But what precisely comprises a “loud sound”? A highway, for example, can be noisy enough that over an extended time period, it can harm your ears. Your ears can also be harmed by regular usage of your lawn mower. As you can see, it isn’t just blaring speakers or raucous rock concerts that damage your ears.
Here are a few ways to avoid loud, damaging noises.:
- When you’re listening to tunes or watching videos, keep the volume of your headphones at safe levels. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in warning.
- Wearing ear protection when loud environments are unavoidable. Are you working on the floor of a loud factory? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. Just wear the necessary hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs supply adequate protection.
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can make use of an app on your phone to alert you.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will build up slowly. So don’t simply presume that your hearing is fine after a noisy event, even if it feels fine. We can only help you figure out if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: Manage any hearing loss you might have
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. You’ll be in a better position to stop additional damage if you identify your hearing loss early. That’s why treatment is incredibly important when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Practical treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s how treatments work:
- When you come in for a consultation we will provide individualized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it becomes harmful. This will prevent further noise-related damage.
- Hearing loss-related health problems that are exacerbated by social isolation and brain strain can be prevented by using hearing aids.
Over the long haul, you will be helped by using hearing aids
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, hearing specialists are working hard to limit further harm to your ears. Treatment of hearing loss is typically one of the best approaches to that. Your current level of hearing will be preserved and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the proper treatment.
When you use ear protection, maintain good hygiene, and get hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the correct steps to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the future.