Pizza is an interesting thing. You can switch the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it satisfies a few general criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. But as long as you have a hard time hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Frequently, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you need to do is attempt to limit the damage. There are, after all, some basic measures you can take to protect your hearing and limit added hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
When you were a kid, you most likely were taught that you need to wash behind your ears. When it comes to hearing health, we’re not concerned with the places behind your ears, but rather inside of your ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildup can help your hearing in several different ways:
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a significant amount of earwax builds up. When this happens you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
- If you use a hearing aid, earwax can also impact that. This might make it seem as if your hearing is worsening.
- Your chance of developing an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can result in inflammation which will impede your hearing. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will usually come back (but that’s something you should consult a doctor about).
A cotton swab is absolutely not the right tool to use to clear any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. In most circumstances, a cotton swab will worsen the problem or cause additional harm. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended instead.
Tip 2: Steer clear of loud sounds that could contribute to hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it practically shouldn’t be on the list. But what exactly comprises a “loud sound”? For example, highway travel can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. Your ears can also be harmed by regular use of your lawn mower. As you can see, it isn’t only blasting speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears.
Here are some ways to avoid loud, harmful noises.:
- Abstaining from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to tunes. Most phones feature built-in alerts when you’re nearing a hazardous limit.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach unsafe levels.
- Wearing hearing protection when loud environments are necessary. Are you working on a noisy industrial floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s awesome. But you should use the correct hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs supply sufficient protection.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will accumulate gradually. So don’t simply assume that your hearing is okay 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: Treat any hearing loss you may have
In most situations, hearing loss develops gradually over a long period of time. You’ll be in a better position to prevent further damage if you identify your hearing loss early. That’s why treatment is tremendously important when it comes to minimizing hearing loss. Practical treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing aids reduce the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. If you’re wearing hearing aids, for instance, you won’t always need to turn volumes up to harmful levels. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- We will help you avoid additional damage to your ears by providing you with personalized guidance when you come in for a consultation.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
Despite the fact that we can’t cure hearing loss, we are putting in hard work to help you prevent additional damage. Treatment of hearing loss is usually one of the primary 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 use ear protection, maintain good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the correct steps to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the future.