Isn’t pizza cool? You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by many different problems – loud noises, genetics, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have trouble hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you first notice hearing loss (regardless of the type), the first thing you should do is attempt to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some basic measures you can take to safeguard your ears and control further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your parents used to always ask “did you clean behind your ears”? In terms of hearing health, we aren’t concerned with the space behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax buildups can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be affected over time by untreated hearing loss.
- Your ability to hear can be obstructed by swelling which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of unclean ears. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will usually return.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their functionality. If this happens you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can stop sound waves from reaching your inner ear. Your hearing becomes jeopardized as a result.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause added damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be fairly intuitive. But determining what constitutes “loud sound” isn’t very easy for most people. There are many dangers to your hearing in everyday life and that includes things as common as driving on a noisy highway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears also. And, be mindful to safeguard your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are a few practical ways to eliminate noise damage:
- When decibel levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- When you’re watching movies or listening to tunes, watch your headphone volume. When you’re listening at unsafe levels, most phones have built-in warnings.
- Using ear protection when noisy conditions are inescapable. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s fine but don’t forget your ear protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs offer ample protection.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is usually a slow progression. Your hearing can only get a clean bill of health by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
Hearing loss generally accumulates over time. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to avoid further damage. That’s why treatment is very important when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- We will give you individualized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to crank the tv up to harmful volumes. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- Mental strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-associated health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
In the long run you will be benefited by using hearing aids
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. The appropriate treatment will help you preserve 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!