Isn’t pizza cool? You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. As long as you are having trouble hearing sound, whether it’s caused by 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 just one basic step you can take to protect your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Remember when your mom used to constantly ask “did you clean behind your ears”? But with regards to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re concerned with.
Your hearing can be benefited in numerous ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be affected over time by untreated hearing loss.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time getting into your inner ear if you have substantial buildup. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their functionality. This could make it seem like your hearing is worsening.
- Untidy ears boost your risk of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when severe enough, impedes your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will typically come back when then the infection clears up.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not recommended 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: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be pretty obvious. But identifying what constitutes “loud sound” is not easy for most individuals. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your hearing, freeway driving can be noisy enough to damage 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 remembering the 4th of July, be mindful to protect your ears!
Some practical ways to avoid damaging noises include:
- Refrain from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. Most cellphones have built-in alerts when you’re nearing a harmful level.
- When decibel levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- Wearing ear protection when noisy situations are inescapable. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s okay but don’t forget your hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs give ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will accumulate gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” good 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: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent further damage. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is the reason why having it treated is so important. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with individualized advice and guidelines.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
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 instances, 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 wear hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the best steps to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!