Isn’t pizza great? As long as it meets a few standard criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by many different issues – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have trouble detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Stopping the damage is usually the first thing to do when you begin to notice hearing loss. This is just one basic measure you can take to safeguard your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Remember when your parents used to always ask “did you clean behind your ears”? But when it comes to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re concerned with.
Keeping your ears clear of wax accumulation can help your hearing in numerous different ways:
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the functioning of your hearing aid if you have one. If this occurs you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Unkempt ears increase your risk of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when significant enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your normal hearing will usually come back when then the infection clears.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be impacted over time by neglected hearing loss.
- Sound waves will have a harder time reaching your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most situations, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. You can buy earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Try to avoid loud noises that could result in hearing loss
This one should be fairly obvious. The problem is that most individuals have no clue what a “loud noise” actually 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. Your ears can also be compromised by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be cautious to safeguard your ears!
Here are a few practical ways to eliminate noise damage:
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud setting, wear hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s cool. Just wear the necessary ear protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- When decibel levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- Avoid cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to music. When you’re listening at hazardous volumes, most phones have built-in alerts.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is usually a slow progression. Your hearing can only get a clean bill of health by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to avoid further damage. That’s why treatment is incredibly essential when it comes to controlling hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible state.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
- Brain strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-associated health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
- We will give you personalized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
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 circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will prevent additional damage while maintaining your present degree of hearing.
When you use hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue 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!
