Pizza is an interesting thing. You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets some standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. Symptoms and manifestations are due to many different issues – loud noises, genetics, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have trouble detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Stopping the damage is usually the first step to take when you start to notice hearing loss. This is only one basic measure you can take to safeguard your hearing from further harm.
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? When it involves hearing health, we aren’t worried about the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can help your hearing in numerous different ways:
- Earwax accumulation also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. If this happens you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Sound waves will have a harder time reaching your inner ear if you have significant buildup. As a result, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
- Unkempt ears boost your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when severe enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will usually return.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be affected over time by neglected hearing loss.
You should not ever attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most situations, 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 cause hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. But defining what comprises “loud sound” is not very easy for most people. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your hearing, highway driving can be noisy enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be compromised by things like your lawn mower engine. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be careful to safeguard your hearing!
Here are a few useful ways to eliminate noise damage:
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, watch your headphone volume. Most cellphones include built-in warnings when you’re approaching a dangerous threshold.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when the volume reaches hazardous thresholds.
- Using hearing protection when loud situations are unavoidable. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s okay but remember your hearing protection. You can get plenty of protection from contemporary earplugs and earmuffs.
So if you go to a noisy event and your hearing feels fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is usually a gradual progression. Your hearing can only get a clean bill of health by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
Hearing loss generally accumulates over time. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to avoid further damage. That’s why treatment is extremely important when it comes to controlling hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to turn the tv up to dangerous volumes. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with personalized advice and instructions.
- Mental strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-related health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
Treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there is no cure. Treating your hearing loss properly will stop further damage while preserving your present degree of hearing.
When you use hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the proper measures to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!