Isn’t pizza cool? As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. 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.
Limiting the damage is normally the first thing to do when you begin to detect hearing loss. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to safeguard your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? But with regards to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re concerned with.
Your hearing can be helped in a number of ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Sound waves will have a harder time getting into your inner ear if you have substantial buildup. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
- Unkempt ears boost your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when significant enough, impedes your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will usually come back when then the infection clears up.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be affected over time by neglected hearing loss.
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. If this occurs you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
You should never try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. Cotton swabs can push the earwax further up into the ear canal and can cause even more damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so instinctive it almost doesn’t need to be on this list. But identifying what constitutes “loud sound” is not very easy for most individuals. There are lots of risks to your hearing in day-to-day life and that includes things as common as driving on a noisy highway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears also. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be careful to safeguard your hearing!
Some practical ways to steer clear of harmful noises include:
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud environment, use hearing protection. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. Just wear the correct hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- Avoid cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. Most cellphones feature built-in alerts when you’re getting close to a hazardous threshold.
- When volume levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
So if you go to a noisy event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is often a gradual progression. Only a hearing specialist can let you know if you have hearing loss.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
Hearing loss typically accumulates over time. So you’ll be in a better position to avoid further harm if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is incredibly essential when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
- Mental strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-related health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
- We will provide personalized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
Treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent hearing loss in spite of the fact that there’s no cure. The appropriate treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
In the years to come you will be giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!