Pizza is an interesting thing. As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is similar. As long as you are having difficulty hearing sound, whether it’s related to a blockage, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Normally, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you need to do is try to minimize the damage. This is only one basic step you can take to protect your hearing from further damage.
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? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not worried about the areas behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax buildups can help your hearing in a few different ways:
- Unkempt ears boost your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when severe enough, impedes your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will usually return when then the infection clears up.
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their operation. If this occurs you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- When wax buildup becomes substantial, it can stop sound waves from getting into your inner ear. As a result, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- After a while, neglected hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can push the earwax further up into the ear canal and can cause even more damage. You can buy earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local pharmacy which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. The problem is that most individuals have no clue what a “loud noise” really is. There are many dangers to your hearing in day-to-day life and that includes things as common as driving on a noisy freeway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be very straining on your ears too. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be cautious to safeguard your ears!
Some practical ways to steer clear of damaging noises include:
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud setting, wear ear protection. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. Just use the necessary ear protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs give ample protection.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach harmful thresholds.
- Refrain from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to tunes. Most cellphones include built-in alerts when you’re getting close to a dangerous level.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing feels fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is often a slow progression. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So you’ll be in a better position to avoid further damage if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is very crucial when it comes to controlling hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Brain strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-related health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
- 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 dangerous volumes. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
- We will provide customized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
Treatment is one of the main ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there is no cure. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will stop additional damage while protecting your present degree of hearing.
When you use hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the proper steps to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!
