Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it meets a few general criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. Symptoms and presentations are caused by a number of different issues, loud noises, genetics, age, or ear obstructions, but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is the first thing you should do when facing hearing loss of any type. You can, after all, take some basic steps to limit additional damage and safeguard your ears.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
When you were a kid, you likely were taught that you need to wash behind your ears. With regards to hearing health, we aren’t worried about the places behind your ears, but rather inside of your ears.
There are a number of ways that earwax accumulation can impact your hearing:
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This may make you think that your hearing is starting to fail.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a significant amount of earwax builds up. When this happens you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
- Your chance of getting an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can lead to swelling which will impede your hearing. Your hearing will normally return to normal after the infection is gone.
A cotton swab is absolutely not the right tool to use to get any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. In most situations, a cotton swab will worsen the problem or cause added damage. Over-the-counter ear drops are encouraged instead.
Tip 2: Very loud noises should be avoided
This is so obvious that it sort of goes without saying. The problem is that most individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. For instance, highway travel can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. The engine on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears, as well. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Some useful ways to prevent damaging noises include:
- Abstaining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re viewing videos or listening to tunes. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in alert.
- Wearing ear protection when loud environments are necessary. Do you work on a loud industrial floor? It’s okay if you want to attend that rock concert. But use the necessary ear protection. You can get enough protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When decibel levels become dangerously loud, you can make use of an app on your phone to alert you.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will progress gradually. So don’t just assume that your hearing is fine after a loud event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in for a hearing exam can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, deal with it
In general, hearing loss is progressive. So, the sooner you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to avoid added damage. That’s why treatment is extremely important in terms of limiting hearing loss. Practical treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are worsened by social solitude and brain strain can be avoided by using hearing aids.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it becomes harmful. This will prevent further noise-related damage.
- We will help you avoid further damage to your ears by supplying you with individualized instructions when you come in for an assessment.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
While we know that hearing loss can’t be cured, hearing specialists are focused on limiting further damage to your ears. In many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the best ways to accomplish that. The right treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and stop it from worsening.
When you wear hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue 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 years to come.