Isn’t pizza cool? As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. As long as you are having trouble hearing sound, whether it’s a result of a blockage, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is usually the first thing to do when you begin to notice hearing loss. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to protect your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not concerned with the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time getting into your inner ear if you have significant accumulation. As a result, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- Earwax accumulation also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. If this happens you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Over time, neglected hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- Your ability to hear can be impeded by inflammation which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of unclean ears. Your normal hearing will typically return when then the infection goes away.
You should never try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. Cotton swabs can jam the earwax further up into the ear canal and can trigger even more damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could result in hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. But determining what constitutes “loud sound” is not easy for most people. There are many hazards to your hearing in day-to-day life and that includes things as common as driving on a noisy highway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be compromised by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be careful to protect your ears!
Here are some useful ways to avoid noise damage:
- Avoid cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to tunes. When you’re listening at hazardous volumes, most phones have built-in alerts.
- When volume levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- Using ear protection when noisy conditions are unavoidable. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s cool. Just use the necessary hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
Hearing loss typically builds over time. So you’ll be in a better position to avoid further damage if you catch it early. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is why getting it treated is so crucial. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health issues.
- We will give you individualized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
Treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent hearing loss in spite of the fact that there is no cure. The correct treatment will help you maintain your present level of hearing and prevent it from becoming worse.
In the years to come you will be providing yourself with the best opportunity for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!
