Isn’t pizza cool? You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets some standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. Symptoms and manifestations are a consequence of many different problems – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have trouble detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you need to do is try to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to protect your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Remember when your parents used to constantly ask “did you clean behind your ears”? In terms of hearing health, we’re not concerned with the areas behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in a number of ways by keeping your ears free of earwax:
- Earwax buildup also disrupts the functioning of your hearing aid if you use one. If this occurs you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Over time, untreated hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- Untidy ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your normal hearing will usually come back when then the infection clears up.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time reaching your inner ear if you have significant accumulation. As a result, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended 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 result in hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it almost doesn’t need to be on this list. The problem is that most individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears, highway driving can be noisy enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be compromised by things like your lawn mower engine. And, be mindful to safeguard your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are some practical ways to avoid noise damage:
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud environment, use hearing protection. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s fine but remember your hearing protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when the volume reaches harmful thresholds.
- Refrain from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to tunes. When you’re listening at hazardous volumes, most phones have built-in alerts.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up slowly. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
Hearing loss typically accumulates over time. So you’ll be better able to avoid further damage if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is incredibly essential when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Mental strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-related health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
- We will give you personalized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to crank the tv up to harmful volumes. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
In the long run you will be benefited by using hearing aids
Treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent hearing loss in spite of the fact that there is no cure. The correct treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
In the years to come you will be providing yourself with the best opportunity for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice quality hygiene!
