Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can adjust the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it satisfies a few basic factors, it’s still a pizza. That’s a lot like hearing loss. Symptoms and presentations are caused by a number of different problems, loud noises, genetic factors, age, or ear blockages, but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Frequently, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you need to do is try to limit the damage. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to protect your hearing and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
When you were a kid, you likely were taught that you need to clean behind your ears. When it comes to hearing health, we aren’t worried about the places behind your ears, but rather inside of your ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax buildup can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This could make you think that your hearing is starting to fail.
- Your risk of developing an ear infection is increased if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can result in swelling which will impede your hearing. Your hearing will normally go back to normal when the infection clears.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be impeded when a significant amount of earwax accumulates. When this occurs you won’t be able to hear as well.
A cotton swab is definitely not the right tool to use to clear any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. Cotton swabs can lead to damage and will typically make the problem worse. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended instead.
Tip 2: Really loud noises should be avoided
This one is so intuitive it practically shouldn’t be on the list. But what exactly constitutes a “loud sound”? For example, highway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. Your ears can also be damaged by frequent use of your lawn mower. As you can tell, it isn’t only blasting speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears.
Some useful ways to avoid harmful noises include:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when volumes reach dangerous levels.
- Using hearing protection when loud environments are necessary. Do you work on the floor of a noisy factory? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s awesome. But you should use the correct hearing protection. You can get plenty of protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- Abstaining from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re viewing videos or listening to tunes. The majority of phones feature built-in alerts when you’re approaching a damaging threshold.
There’s a slow development to hearing loss that’s a result of loud sound. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. We can only help you figure out if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: Manage any hearing loss you might have
In general, hearing loss is progressive. So, the earlier you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to protect against further damage. That’s why treatment is incredibly important when it comes to minimizing hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing loss-related health problems that are exacerbated by social isolation and brain strain can be prevented by wearing hearing aids.
- Some, but not all damage can be stopped by wearing hearing aids. If you’re using hearing aids, for example, you won’t always have to turn volumes up to harmful levels. This will prevent further noise-related damage.
- We will help you avoid further damage to your ears by supplying you with personalized instructions when you come in for a consultation.
Over the long haul, you will be helped by wearing hearing aids
While it’s true that hearing loss has no cure, hearing specialists are working hard to limit additional harm to your ears. Treatment of hearing loss is usually one of the best approaches to that. The right treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you wear ear protection, maintain good hygiene, and get hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the proper measures to prevent hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance of healthy hearing in the years to come.
