Isn’t pizza interesting? You can adjust the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it meets a few general criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. But as long as you have difficulty hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Limiting the damage is the first step you should take when facing hearing loss of any variety. You can, after all, take some simple measures to limit further damage and safeguard your ears.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you wash behind your ears? It’s one of those childhood hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? In terms of hearing health, we’re not concerned with the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildup can improve your hearing in a variety of different ways:
- Your risk of developing an ear infection is increased if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can result in swelling which will obstruct your hearing. Your hearing will usually go back to normal when the infection clears.
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. This may make it seem as though your hearing is worsening.
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can block soundwaves from getting into your inner ear. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
If you observe earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. In most circumstances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended as an alternative.
Tip 2: Stay away from loud sounds that could contribute to hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it practically shouldn’t be on the list. The problem is that the majority of people are hard-pressed to characterize what a “loud noise” really is. A highway, for instance, can be noisy enough that over an extended period of time, it can damage your ears. The motor on your lawnmower can be very straining on your ears, also. As you can see, it isn’t only blaring speakers or raucous rock concerts that damage your ears.
Here are some ways to avoid loud, damaging noises.:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach unsafe levels.
- When you’re listening to tunes or viewing videos, keep the volume of your headphones at safe levels. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in warning.
- When you have to be in a loud setting, utilize hearing protection. Are you working on the floor of a noisy factory? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s cool. But wear the required ear protection. You can get plenty of protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
There’s a slow advancement to hearing loss that’s a result of loud sound. So don’t simply assume that your hearing is fine after a loud event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in and see us can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
Generally speaking, hearing loss is progressive. So, the earlier you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop added damage. That’s why treatment is incredibly important in terms of minimizing hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and implement it.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health conditions.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by wearing hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
- When you come in and see us we will provide personalized guidance and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
Limit hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
Even though we’re not able to cure hearing loss, we are putting in hard work to help you minimize additional damage. Treatment of hearing loss is typically one of the best approaches to that. The correct treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
You’re taking the appropriate measures to prevent hearing loss and put yourself in the best situation to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, use ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.
