Isn’t pizza great? You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. As long as you are having difficulty hearing sound, whether it’s due to a blockage, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Typically, when you first notice hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is attempt to stop the damage. This is only one basic step you can take to safeguard your hearing from further damage.
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? When it involves hearing health, we’re not concerned with the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Your hearing can be helped in several ways by keeping your ears free of earwax:
- Unkempt ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when significant enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will usually come back.
- When wax buildup becomes significant, it can stop sound waves from getting into your inner ear. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also impede their functionality. This could make it seem as if your hearing is worsening.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be affected over time by neglected hearing loss.
You should not ever try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most situations, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause additional damage. You can buy earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could result in hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be fairly obvious. The problem is that most individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” really is. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears, highway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears as well. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be careful to safeguard your hearing!
Some practical ways to steer clear of damaging noises include:
- Using hearing protection when noisy situations are not avoidable. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s okay but don’t forget your ear protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs give ample protection.
- When volume levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- Avoid cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to tunes. Most cellphones include built-in alerts when you’re nearing a hazardous level.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “feels” good after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only get a clean bill of health by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
In general, hearing loss is accumulative. So you’ll be better able to prevent further harm if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is incredibly important when it comes to restricting hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
- We will provide customized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Brain strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-related health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
Limit hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss correctly will stop additional damage while protecting your current level of hearing.
When you use hearing protection, practice good 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!