Isn’t pizza great? You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by many different problems – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have difficulty detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Typically, when you first notice hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you need to do is attempt to limit the damage. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to protect your ears and control further hearing loss.
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? In terms of hearing health, we’re not worried about the space behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in numerous ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be impacted over time by untreated hearing loss.
- Earwax buildup also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. If this happens you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time reaching your inner ear if you have significant accumulation. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- Your ability to hear can be hampered by inflammation which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of unclean ears. Your functional hearing will usually return when then the infection clears.
You should not ever attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could result in hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. The challenge is that most people have no clue what a “loud noise” actually is. There are many dangers to your hearing in day-to-day life including things as common as driving on a noisy highway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears as well. And, be mindful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are some useful ways to eliminate noise damage:
- When volume levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, watch your headphone volume. When you’re listening at unsafe levels, most phones have built-in alerts.
- Using ear protection when noisy situations are inescapable. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s okay but remember your ear protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a noisy 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 might have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent further damage. That’s why treatment is incredibly important when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you observe the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
- Mental strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-associated health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with customized advice and instructions.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
Treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent hearing loss in spite of the fact that there is no cure. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will prevent additional damage while preserving your present level of hearing.
When you wear hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the proper steps to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!
