Isn’t pizza cool? As long as it meets a few standard criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by many different issues – loud noises, genetics, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is usually the first step to take when you start to notice hearing loss. There are, after all, some simple steps you can take to protect your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not worried about the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Your hearing can be helped in a number of ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This might make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
- Your ability to hear can be impeded by swelling which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of dirty ears. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will typically come back.
- Sound waves will have a harder time getting into your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be impacted over time by untreated hearing loss.
You should never attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. 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 pharmacy 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 very easy for most individuals. There are many hazards to your hearing in everyday life including things as common as driving on a loud highway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be very straining on your ears also. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be cautious to protect your ears!
Here are a few practical ways to avoid noise damage:
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when the volume reaches hazardous thresholds.
- Avoid turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to tunes. When you’re listening at dangerous volumes, most phones have built-in warnings.
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud environment, use hearing protection. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s fine. Just wear the necessary hearing protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is often a slow progression. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
In general, hearing loss is accumulative. So you’ll be in a better position to avoid further damage if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is incredibly crucial when it comes to restricting hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible state.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social separation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with individualized advice and instructions.
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 primary ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss properly will stop additional damage while protecting your current degree of hearing.
In the years to come you will be providing yourself with the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice quality hygiene!