Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets some standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. Symptoms and presentations are a consequence of many different issues – loud noises, genetics, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have difficulty detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Typically, when you first notice hearing loss (no matter the type), 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: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? But in terms of the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re worried about.
Keeping your ears free of wax buildups can help your hearing in numerous different ways:
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This may make it seem as though your hearing is worsening.
- Your ability to hear can be obstructed by swelling which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of unclean ears. Your functional hearing will typically come back when then the infection clears.
- Over time, untreated hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time getting into your inner ear if you have significant accumulation. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
You should never attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause added damage. You can buy earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local pharmacy which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Try to avoid loud noises that could lead to hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. The challenge is that most people have no clue what a “loud noise” really is. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your hearing, freeway driving can be noisy enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears also. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be mindful to protect your hearing!
Some practical ways to steer clear of harmful noises include:
- Avoid turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to music. Most cellphones feature built-in alerts when you’re nearing a harmful threshold.
- When decibel levels get too high, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud setting, wear hearing protection. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s okay but remember your hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs offer ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” fine after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. 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 generally accumulates over time. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to avoid further damage. That’s why treatment is incredibly important when it comes to restricting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Brain strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-associated health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
- We will give you customized instructions and advice to help you avoid further 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 damages your ears. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will stop further damage while maintaining your present level of hearing.
When you wear hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the correct measures to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!
