Isn’t pizza cool? You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets some basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. As long as you are having trouble hearing sound, whether it’s related to an obstruction, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you first notice hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is try to stop the damage. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to safeguard your ears and control further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? When it involves hearing health, we aren’t concerned with the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Your hearing can be helped in a number of ways by keeping your ears free of earwax:
- Your ability to hear can be obstructed by inflammation which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of dirty ears. Your functional hearing will typically return when then the infection goes away.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also impede their operation. This might make it seem like your hearing is worsening.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time reaching your inner ear if you have substantial buildup. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
- After a while, untreated hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can jam the earwax further up into the ear canal and can cause even more harm. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could lead to hearing loss
This one should be fairly intuitive. But defining what constitutes “loud sound” isn’t very easy for most people. There are many risks to your hearing in everyday life including things as common as driving on a noisy highway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be very straining on your ears also. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be careful to protect your ears!
Some useful ways to steer clear of damaging noises include:
- When decibel levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- Using hearing protection when loud situations are inescapable. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s fine. Just use the necessary ear protection. You can get plenty of protection from contemporary earplugs and earmuffs.
- Avoid cranking the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. Most cellphones have built-in warnings when you’re getting close to a harmful threshold.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” good after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop 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 lay out for you.
Treatment works like this:
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with personalized advice and instructions.
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social separation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
In the long run you will be benefited by using hearing aids
Treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there is no cure. Treating your hearing loss properly will prevent additional damage while protecting 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 best steps to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!
