Pizza is a fascinating thing. As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. As long as you are having difficulty hearing sound, whether it’s a result of a blockage, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you first notice hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you need to do is try to minimize the damage. This is only one simple measure you can take to protect your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? When it comes to hearing health, we aren’t worried about the space behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in a number of ways by keeping your ears free of earwax:
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their operation. This could make it seem as though your hearing is getting worse.
- Sound waves will have a harder time getting into your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- Untidy ears boost your risk of getting an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when significant enough, interferes with your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will typically return.
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be affected over time by untreated hearing loss.
You should not ever 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 damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Try to avoid loud noises that could result in hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. But determining what constitutes “loud sound” is not easy for most individuals. There are lots of risks to your hearing in everyday life and that includes things as common as driving on a loud highway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be damaged by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be mindful to protect your hearing!
Here are a few useful ways to eliminate noise damage:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach damaging levels.
- Wearing hearing protection when noisy situations are not avoidable. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s okay but remember your hearing protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- When you’re watching movies or listening to music, keep the headphone volume down. When you’re listening at dangerous volumes, most phones have built-in warnings.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up slowly. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can let you know if you have hearing loss.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is why getting it treated is so crucial. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will prevent 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 providing you with personalized advice and guidelines.
In the long run you will be benefited by using hearing aids
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent it. The correct treatment will help you preserve your present degree of hearing and prevent it from becoming worse.
When you use hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the best measures to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!