Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. As long as you are having difficulty hearing sound, whether it’s caused by an obstruction, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Typically, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you should do is try to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to protect your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your mom used to always ask “did you wash behind your ears”? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not concerned with the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in numerous ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be impacted over time by neglected hearing loss.
- Sound waves will have a harder time reaching your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their functionality. This could make it seem like your hearing is worsening.
- Unkempt ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when significant enough, interferes with your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will typically return.
You should not ever attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause added damage. You can get 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 result in hearing loss
This one should be fairly intuitive. The issue is that most individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” really is. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears, freeway driving can be noisy enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears also. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be mindful to safeguard your ears!
Here are some practical ways to eliminate noise damage:
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, watch your headphone volume. When you’re listening at hazardous volumes, most phones have built-in warnings.
- When volume levels get too high, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
- Using ear protection when noisy environments are unavoidable. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s fine. Just wear the necessary ear protection. You can get enough protection from contemporary earplugs and earmuffs.
So if you go to a noisy event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is usually a slow progression. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
Hearing loss typically builds over time. So you’ll be better able to prevent further damage if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is extremely crucial when it comes to restricting hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- We will provide customized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For example, 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 kind of damage.
- Mental strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-associated health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
Treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent hearing loss in spite of the fact that there is no cure. Treating your hearing loss correctly will stop additional damage while preserving your present degree of hearing.
When you wear hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the proper steps to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!