Pizza is an interesting thing. You can adjust the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it satisfies a few general criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. Symptoms and presentations are caused by numerous different issues, loud noises, genetic factors, age, or ear blockages, but as long as you have difficulty detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Minimizing the damage is the first thing you should do when facing hearing loss of any variety. There are, after all, some simple steps you can take to safeguard your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
Did you wash behind your ears? It’s one of those childhood hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? But it’s your inner ears that we’re worried about here, regarding hearing health, not behind your ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildup can improve your hearing in a variety of different ways:
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This could make it seem as if your hearing is worsening.
- When wax buildup becomes significant, it can stop soundwaves from reaching your inner ear. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes decreased.
- Unkempt ears raise your chances of getting an ear infection, which causes swelling that when significant enough, interferes with your hearing. Your hearing will normally go back to normal when 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 cause damage and will usually worsen the situation. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Really loud noises should be averted
This is so evident that it kind of goes without saying. But what exactly comprises a “loud sound”? For example, highway travel can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be harmed by regular usage of your lawn mower. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are a few ways to avoid loud, harmful noises.:
- When you have to be in a noisy environment, use hearing protection. Are you working on a loud industrial floor? It’s okay if you want to attend that rock concert. But you need to use the appropriate ear protection. You can get adequate protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- Abstaining from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in warning.
- When decibel levels become dangerously loud, you can make use of an app on your phone to alert you.
There’s a gradual advancement to hearing loss that’s a result of loud sound. So don’t simply presume that your hearing is fine after a loud event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in and see us can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
In most cases, hearing loss accumulates gradually over a long period of time. You’ll be in a better position to protect against further damage if you recognize your hearing loss early on. That’s why treatment is incredibly important when it comes to minimizing hearing loss. Practical treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by using hearing aids. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it becomes harmful. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also stop further degeneration of your hearing.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
- When you come in for a consultation we will provide individualized guidance and advice to help you avoid additional damage to your ears.
Over the long haul, you will be benefited by using hearing aids
Even though we can’t cure hearing loss, we are doing hard work to help you minimize further damage. In many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to achieve that. Your current level of hearing will be protected and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the proper treatment.
You’re taking the proper measures to minimize hearing loss and put yourself in the best position to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, utilize ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.