Isn’t pizza interesting? As long as a few factors are met, you can adjust toppings, cheese, and sauce, and it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by many different issues, loud noises, genetic factors, age, or ear blockages, but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is try to limit the damage. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to safeguard your hearing and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
When you were a kid, you most likely were taught that you need to wash behind your ears. But it’s inside of your ears that we’re worried about here, regarding hearing health, not behind your ears.
There are various ways that earwax buildup can impact your hearing:
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This might make it seem as though your hearing is diminishing.
- Your risk of developing an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can result in swelling which will interfere with your hearing. When your ear infection clears, your regular hearing will usually return (but that’s something you should consult a doctor about).
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a significant amount of earwax builds up. Consequently, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
A cotton swab is definitely not the best tool to use to get any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. In most situations, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added harm. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could cause hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. But what exactly comprises a “loud sound”? For instance, freeway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. The engine on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears, as well. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are a few ways to avoid loud, harmful noises.:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels get to hazardous thresholds.
- Abstaining from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re viewing videos or listening to tunes. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in alert.
- Wearing hearing protection when noisy environments are necessary. Are you working on the floor of a noisy factory? It’s okay if you want to go to that rock concert. Just wear the necessary hearing protection. You can get plenty of protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up gradually. So don’t just assume that your hearing is fine after a noisy 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: Address any hearing loss you might have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is progressive. So, the sooner you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to avoid added damage. In terms of hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so significant. Your hearing will be in the best position if you get treatment and implement it.
Treatment works like this:
- We will help you avoid additional damage to your ears by supplying you with individualized guidance when you come in for an assessment.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by wearing hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will stop you from turning the volume of your television up so loud it becomes harmful. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- Hearing aids reduce the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health conditions.
Over the long haul, you will be helped by wearing hearing aids
Even though we can’t cure hearing loss, we are doing hard work to help you limit further damage. In many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to achieve 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 hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the proper steps to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance of healthy hearing in the future.
