Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can switch the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s a lot like hearing loss. But as long as you have difficulty hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss whether it’s caused by genetic factors, age, blockages, or exposure to loud noise.
Limiting the damage is the first thing you should do when facing hearing loss of any variety. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to protect your hearing and limit further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those childhood hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? In terms of hearing health, we’re not concerned with the places behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
There are various ways that earwax accumulation can impact your hearing:
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a significant amount of earwax accumulates. When this happens you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
- Earwax accumulation also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This might make it seem as though your hearing is worsening.
- Your risk of developing an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can lead to swelling which will interfere with your hearing. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will usually come back (but that’s something you should talk to a doctor about).
A cotton swab is absolutely not the best tool to use to get any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. Cotton swabs can lead to damage and will typically worsen the situation. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Steer clear of loud noises that could contribute to hearing loss
This is so evident that it sort of goes without saying. The problem is that the majority of people are hard-pressed to determine what a “loud noise” really is. A freeway, for example, can be noisy enough that over an extended time period, it can harm your ears. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears, as well. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Some practical ways to avoid damaging noises include:
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when decibel levels get to dangerous levels.
- Refraining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re viewing videos or listening to tunes. The majority of phones feature built-in warnings when you’re approaching a damaging threshold.
- Wearing ear protection when noisy environments are necessary. Are you working on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. Just wear the required hearing protection. You can get enough protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will accumulate gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only if you come in and see us can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
In most instances, hearing loss accumulates slowly over a long period of time. You’ll be in a better position to protect against further damage if you identify your hearing loss early. When it comes to hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so essential. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and implement it.
Treatment works like this:
- When you come in and see us we will provide personalized guidance and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health conditions.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. If you’re wearing hearing aids, for instance, you won’t always need to turn volumes up to damaging levels. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also stop further impairment of your hearing.
Over the long haul, you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
Despite the fact that we’re not able to cure hearing loss, we are doing hard work to help you prevent further damage. In many cases, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to achieve that. Your current level of hearing will be maintained and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the proper treatment.
When you wear hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the proper steps to prevent hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the future.