Isn’t pizza interesting? You can alter the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it satisfies a few general factors, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. But as long as you have difficulty hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, blockages, or exposure to loud noise.
Minimizing the damage is the first thing you should do when facing hearing loss of any variety. You can, after all, take some basic steps to limit further damage and safeguard your ears.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you wash behind your ears? It’s one of those childhood hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? But it’s your inner ears that we’re worried about here, when it comes to hearing health, not the back of your ears.
There are various ways that earwax buildup can affect your hearing:
- Earwax buildup also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This might make it seem as though your hearing is worsening.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be impeded when a substantial amount of earwax accumulates. When this happens you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
- Unkempt ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which creates inflammation that when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will normally come back (but that’s something you should consult a doctor about).
A cotton swab is absolutely not the correct tool to use to get any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. In most circumstances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional harm. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud sounds that could contribute to hearing loss
This is so evident that it sort of goes without saying. But what precisely comprises a “loud sound”? A freeway, for example, can be loud enough that over a long time period, it can harm your ears. Your ears can also be harmed by frequent usage of your lawn mower. As you can tell, it’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears.
Some practical ways to avoid harmful noises include:
- When you need to be in a loud setting, utilize hearing protection. Are you working on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. But you should use the correct ear protection. You can get adequate protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can utilize an app on your phone to alert you.
- Abstaining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. The majority of phones feature built-in alerts when you’re nearing a damaging limit.
There’s a slow development to hearing loss that’s due to loud sound. So don’t simply assume that your hearing is okay after a loud event, even if it feels fine. We can only help you find out if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
In most situations, hearing loss develops slowly over an extended period of time. You’ll be in a better position to avoid additional damage if you identify your hearing loss early. That’s why treatment is extremely important in terms of limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and follow through with it.
Treatment works like this:
- We will help you stay clear of additional damage to your ears by providing you with individualized instructions when you come in for a consultation.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by using hearing aids. If you’re wearing hearing aids, for instance, you won’t always need to turn volumes up to harmful levels. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further impairment of your hearing.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you over the long haul
While it’s true that hearing loss has no cure, hearing specialists are working hard to limit further damage to your ears. Treatment of hearing loss is typically one of the best approaches to that. The right treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and prevent it from worsening.
When you use hearing protection, maintain good hygiene, and get hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the proper measures to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance of healthy hearing in the future.