Pizza is an interesting thing. As long as a few factors are met, you can switch toppings, cheese, and sauce, and it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. But as long as you have trouble hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, blockages, or exposure to loud noise.
Limiting the damage is the first thing you should do when confronted with hearing loss of any type. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to protect your ears and limit additional hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
Did you wash behind your ears? It’s one of those childhood hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? But it’s your inner ears that we’re worried about here, regarding hearing health, not behind your ears.
There are various ways that earwax buildup can affect your hearing:
- Your chance of developing an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can cause swelling which will impede your hearing. Your hearing will normally go back to normal when the infection is gone.
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the functionality of your hearing aid if you use one. This may make it seem as though your hearing is diminishing.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a substantial amount of earwax builds up. When this happens you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
A cotton swab is absolutely not the correct tool to use to clear any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. In most circumstances, a cotton swab will worsen the problem or cause added harm. As an alternative, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could contribute to hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. The problem is that the majority of people are hard-pressed to determine what a “loud noise” actually is. A highway, for example, can be loud enough that over a long time period, it can harm your ears. Your ears can also be harmed by frequent usage of your lawn mower. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are some ways to steer clear of loud, harmful noises.:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when volumes get to dangerous levels.
- Wearing ear protection when noisy environments are necessary. Do you work on the floor of a loud factory? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s cool. But wear the necessary ear protection. You can get adequate protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When you’re listening to music or watching videos, keep the volume of your headphones at safe levels. The majority of phones include built-in alerts when you’re nearing a damaging limit.
There’s a gradual advancement to hearing loss that’s due to loud sound. So don’t just presume that your hearing is fine after a noisy event, even if it feels fine. We can only help you find out if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, deal with it
In most cases, hearing loss develops gradually over a long time period. You’ll be in a better position to stop additional damage if you recognize your hearing loss early. That’s why treatment is tremendously important in terms of limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best position if you get treatment and follow through with it.
Treatment works like this:
- When you come in for a consultation we will give you individualized guidance and advice to help you avoid additional damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids reduce the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health conditions.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by using hearing aids. If you’re wearing hearing aids, for example, you won’t always need to turn volumes up to damaging levels. This will counter further noise-related damage.
Over the long haul, you will be benefited by using hearing aids
Despite the fact that we can’t cure hearing loss, we are putting in hard work to help you minimize further damage. In many cases, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to achieve that. The right treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and stop it from getting worse.
When you wear ear protection, maintain good hygiene, and get hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the proper steps to prevent hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the future.