Isn’t pizza cool? As long as it meets a few standard criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. Symptoms and presentations are a consequence of many different issues – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have trouble hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Restricting the damage is normally the first thing to do when you start to notice hearing loss. This is only one simple step you can take to protect your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your parents used to always ask “did you clean behind your ears”? When it comes to 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 a few different ways:
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also impede their functionality. If this happens you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Sound waves will have a harder time getting into your inner ear if you have substantial accumulation. As a result, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be affected over time by untreated hearing loss.
- Untidy ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when significant enough, impedes your ability to hear. Your normal hearing will typically return when then the infection goes away.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can jam the earwax further up into the ear canal and can cause even more harm. You can buy earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be fairly intuitive. But defining what constitutes “loud sound” isn’t easy for most individuals. There are lots of hazards to your hearing in day-to-day 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 taxing on your ears as well. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be mindful to safeguard your ears!
Here are a few practical ways to eliminate noise damage:
- When volume 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 environment, wear hearing protection. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s fine but don’t forget your hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs offer ample protection.
- When you’re watching movies or listening to music, keep the headphone volume down. Most cellphones include built-in warnings when you’re nearing a hazardous threshold.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “seems” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
Hearing loss typically builds over time. So you’ll be better able to avoid further harm if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is extremely crucial when it comes to restricting hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will provide individualized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to turn up the tv to dangerous volumes. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
- Mental strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-related health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
Treatment is one of the main ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there is no cure. Treating your hearing loss correctly will stop further damage while protecting 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 best measures to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!