Pizza is a fascinating thing. As long as it meets a few standard criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is similar. As long as you are having trouble hearing sound, whether it’s due to an obstruction, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Typically, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (regardless of the type), the first thing you should do is try to stop the damage. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to protect your ears and control further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your mom used to always ask “did you clean behind your ears”? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not concerned with the areas behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can help your hearing in a few different ways:
- Your ability to hear can be obstructed by inflammation which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of unclean ears. Your functional hearing will typically return when then the infection clears up.
- Over time, untreated hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- Earwax buildup also disrupts the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make it seem like your hearing is getting worse.
- Sound waves will have a harder time reaching your inner ear if you have substantial accumulation. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
You should not ever try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. Cotton swabs can jam the earwax further up into the ear canal and can trigger even more harm. You can buy earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could lead to hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. The challenge is that most individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. There are many dangers to your hearing in everyday life including things as common as driving on a loud freeway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be damaged by things like your lawn mower engine. And, be mindful to safeguard your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some practical ways to steer clear of harmful noises include:
- Wearing hearing protection when noisy situations are not avoidable. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s fine. Just wear the necessary hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when the volume reaches harmful levels.
- Avoid turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to tunes. Most cellphones have built-in alerts when you’re getting close to a dangerous threshold.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine 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: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
Hearing loss typically accumulates over time. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. That’s why treatment is incredibly crucial when it comes to controlling hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible state.
Treatment works like this:
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with customized advice and instructions.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to turn the tv up to dangerous volumes. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
- Mental strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-associated health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
Treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent hearing loss in spite of the fact that there’s no cure. The correct treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you use hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the correct steps to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!