Pizza is an interesting thing. As long as a few criteria are met, you can change toppings, cheese, and sauce, and it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by a number of different problems, loud noises, genetics, age, or ear blockages, but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Frequently, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you should do is try to limit the damage. You can, after all, take some simple measures to limit additional damage and safeguard your ears.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
When you were younger, you likely learned that you need to wash behind your ears. With regards to hearing health, we’re not concerned with the places behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
There are a number of ways that earwax accumulation can affect your hearing:
- Unkempt ears raise your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that when significant enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will normally come back (but that’s something you should consult a doctor about).
- Sound waves going to your ears can be impeded when a significant amount of earwax accumulates. Consequently, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
- Earwax buildup also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. This might give you the impression that your hearing is going.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s definitely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most circumstances, a cotton swab will worsen the problem or cause added harm. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended as an alternative.
Tip 2: Stay away from loud noises that could contribute to hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. But what precisely constitutes a “loud sound”? A highway, for instance, can be noisy enough that over an extended time period, it can damage your ears. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears, as well. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are a few ways to avoid loud, harmful noises.:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when volumes reach dangerous thresholds.
- Abstaining from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re viewing videos or listening to tunes. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in alert.
- When you need to be in a noisy setting, utilize hearing protection. Do you work on a loud industrial floor? It’s okay if you want to go to that rock concert. Just wear the required ear protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs provide adequate protection.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will progress gradually. So don’t simply presume that your hearing is fine after a loud event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in for a hearing exam can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
In most situations, hearing loss accumulates gradually over an extended period of time. You’ll be in a better position to avoid further damage if you recognize your hearing loss early. When it comes to hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so significant. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and implement it.
Here’s how treatments work:
- When you come in and see us we will give you personalized guidance and advice to help you steer clear of further damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids reduce the brain strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health conditions.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by using hearing aids. If you’re using hearing aids, for example, you won’t always have to turn volumes up to harmful levels. This will prevent further noise-related damage.
In the long run, you will be helped by using hearing aids
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, hearing specialists are working hard to limit further damage to your hearing. Treatment of hearing loss is typically one of the best approaches to that. Your current level of hearing will be protected and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the correct treatment.
When you wear ear protection, maintain good hygiene, and get hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the proper measures to prevent hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance of healthy hearing in the years to come.