Isn’t pizza fascinating? You can switch the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it satisfies a few general criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. But as long as you have a hard time hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Minimizing the damage is the first thing you should do when confronted with hearing loss of any type. You can, after all, take some simple measures to limit further damage and protect your ears.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
Did you wash behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? But it’s your inner ears that we’re worried about here, in terms of hearing health, not the back of your ears.
There are various ways that earwax buildup can impact your hearing:
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This may give you the impression that your hearing is going.
- Unclean ears raise your chances of getting an ear infection, which creates inflammation that when significant enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your hearing will normally return to normal when the infection is gone.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a substantial amount of earwax builds up. When this occurs you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can cause damage and will almost always make the problem worse. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Very loud noises should be averted
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. The issue is that the majority of individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. A freeway, for example, can be noisy enough that over a long time period, it can damage your ears. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears, also. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Some practical ways to stay away from harmful noises include:
- Using hearing protection when noisy settings are unavoidable. Are you working on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. But wear the necessary ear protection. You can get plenty of protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When you’re listening to tunes or watching videos, keep the volume of your headphones at safe levels. Most phones feature built-in alerts when you’re approaching a hazardous limit.
- When decibel levels become dangerously loud, you can make use of an app on your phone to alert you.
There’s a slow development to hearing loss that’s a result of loud sound. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a loud 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: Treat any hearing loss you may have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop added damage. When it comes to hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so important. Practical treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- When you come in for a consultation we will give you personalized guidance and advice to help you steer clear of additional damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it becomes harmful. This will counter further noise-related damage.
- Hearing loss-related health problems that are worsened by social solitude and brain strain can be prevented by wearing hearing aids.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
Although we can’t cure hearing loss, we are putting in hard work to help you prevent additional damage. In many cases, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to accomplish that. Your current level of hearing will be protected and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the correct treatment.
When you use ear protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the correct steps to prevent hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance of healthy hearing in the future.
