Isn’t pizza great? You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets some basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. As long as you are having a hard time hearing sound, whether it’s related to an obstruction, age, loud noise, or whatever else, it’s still hearing loss.
Stopping the damage is usually the first step to take when you begin to detect hearing loss. This is only one simple step you can take to protect your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your mom used to constantly ask “did you clean behind your ears”? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not worried about the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in a number of ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their operation. This may make it seem as though your hearing is getting worse.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time reaching your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- Over time, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- Untidy ears boost your risk of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will usually return when then the infection clears.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can jam the earwax further up into the ear canal and can trigger even more damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could contribute to hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so intuitive it almost doesn’t need to be on this list. The issue is that most people are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. There are lots of dangers to your hearing in everyday life and that includes things as common as driving on a loud highway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears as well. And, be careful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are some practical ways to avoid noise damage:
- When volume levels get too high, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to tunes, watch your headphone volume. Most cellphones have built-in alerts when you’re approaching a harmful threshold.
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud setting, use hearing protection. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s fine but remember your ear protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs offer ample protection.
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
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So you’ll be better able to prevent further damage if you catch it early. So in terms of hearing loss, this is the reason why having it treated is so significant. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with personalized advice and instructions.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re unlikely to turn up the tv to dangerous volumes. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent it. The correct treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you use hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the best measures to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!