Isn’t pizza cool? As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. Symptoms and presentations are caused by many different issues – loud noises, genetics, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have difficulty detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Stopping the damage is normally the first thing to do when you begin to detect hearing loss. There are, after all, some basic measures you can take to safeguard your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Remember when your parents used to constantly ask “did you clean behind your ears”? In terms of hearing health, we aren’t worried about the areas behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax accumulation can help your hearing in a few different ways:
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also impede their operation. This might make it seem like your hearing is worsening.
- When wax buildup becomes substantial, it can block sound waves from getting into your inner ear. As a result, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- Over time, neglected hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- Untidy ears boost your chances of getting an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when significant enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your normal hearing will typically return when then the infection clears.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added damage. You can buy earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local pharmacy which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Try to avoid loud noises that could lead to hearing loss
This one should be fairly intuitive. But identifying what comprises “loud sound” isn’t very easy for most people. There are lots of hazards to your hearing in everyday life including things as common as driving on a noisy highway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be damaged by things like your lawn mower engine. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be mindful to safeguard your hearing!
Some useful ways to steer clear of damaging noises include:
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to tunes, watch your headphone volume. Most cellphones have built-in alerts when you’re getting close to a dangerous threshold.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when the volume reaches dangerous levels.
- Using ear protection when noisy conditions are inescapable. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. Just use the necessary ear protection. You can get enough protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “feels” good after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
Hearing loss typically accumulates over time. 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 significant. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with personalized advice and instructions.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social separation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re unlikely to turn the tv up to harmful volumes. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help 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 current degree of hearing and prevent it from becoming worse.
In the years to come you will be giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice quality hygiene!
