Pizza is an interesting thing. 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. As long as you are having a hard time hearing sound, whether it’s a result of a blockage, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Typically, when you first notice hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is try to stop the damage. This is only one simple step you can take to safeguard your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? In terms of hearing health, we aren’t worried about the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in numerous ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Your ability to hear can be obstructed by swelling which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of unclean ears. Your functional hearing will typically return when then the infection clears up.
- When wax buildup becomes significant, it can block sound waves from reaching your inner ear. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- Earwax buildup also disrupts the functioning of your hearing aid if you use one. If this occurs you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Over time, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
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 added damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could lead to hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. The problem is that most individuals have no clue what a “loud noise” actually is. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears, freeway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be damaged by things like your lawn mower engine. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be cautious to safeguard your hearing!
Some useful ways to steer clear of damaging noises include:
- Using hearing protection when loud environments are unavoidable. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. Just use the correct hearing protection. You can get enough protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach dangerous thresholds.
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, keep the headphone volume down. Most cellphones include built-in alerts when you’re getting close to a hazardous threshold.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “feels” good after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only get a clean bill of health by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
Generally speaking, 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 very important when it comes to restricting hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible state.
Treatment works like this:
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with individualized advice and guidelines.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health issues.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss correctly will prevent further damage while protecting your current degree of hearing.
In the years to come you will be giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice quality hygiene!