Isn’t pizza great? You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets a few standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. Symptoms and manifestations are due to many different issues – loud noises, genetics, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Normally, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you need to do is try to limit the damage. This is only one basic 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 lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? In terms of hearing health, we’re not worried about the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Your hearing can be helped in a number of ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their functionality. This could make it seem as if your hearing is worsening.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher 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. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- Your ability to hear can be impeded by inflammation which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of dirty ears. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will typically come back.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can jam the earwax further up into the ear canal and can cause even more damage. You can buy earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local pharmacy 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 intuitive. The issue is that most individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” really is. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears, freeway driving can be loud 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 cautious to safeguard your hearing!
Some useful ways to steer clear of harmful noises include:
- Wearing ear protection when noisy situations are inescapable. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s fine but remember your hearing protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- Avoid cranking the volume up on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to tunes. Most cellphones include built-in warnings when you’re getting close to a dangerous threshold.
- When volume levels get too high, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will build up slowly. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine 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: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
Generally speaking, hearing loss is accumulative. So you’ll be better able to avoid further harm if you catch it early. So in terms of hearing loss, this is the reason why having it treated is so essential. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to crank up the tv to harmful volumes. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
- Brain strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-related health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
- We will provide personalized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. The appropriate treatment will help you preserve your present level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you wear hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the best steps to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!