Isn’t pizza interesting? You can switch the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few general factors, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. 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.
Usually, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you need to do is attempt to minimize the damage. You can, after all, take some basic measures to limit further damage and safeguard your ears.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
When you were a kid, you likely were taught that you need to wash behind your ears. But it’s your inner ears that we’re worried about here, when it comes to hearing health, not the back of your ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can improve your hearing in a variety of different ways:
- Your risk of getting an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can cause swelling which will impede your hearing. Your hearing will normally go back to normal after the infection is gone.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be impeded when a significant amount of earwax accumulates. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
- If you use a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This could make you think that your hearing is going.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s definitely not recommended that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will worsen the problem or cause additional harm. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Very loud noises should be averted
This one is so instinctive it practically shouldn’t be on this list. The issue is that most individuals are hard-pressed to determine what a “loud noise” really is. A highway, for example, can be noisy enough that over a long time period, it can harm your ears. Your ears can also be harmed by frequent use of your lawn mower. As you can see, it isn’t only blaring speakers or raucous rock concerts that damage your ears.
Here are a number of ways to steer clear of loud, damaging noises.:
- Refraining 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 warning.
- When you need to be in a loud environment, utilize hearing protection. Are you working on the floor of a noisy factory? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s cool. But you should use the correct ear protection. You can get plenty of protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can make use of an app on your phone to alert you.
There’s a gradual progression to hearing loss that’s caused by loud sound. So don’t just assume that your hearing is okay after a loud event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in and see us can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Manage any hearing loss you may have
In most situations, hearing loss develops gradually over a long period of time. You’ll be in a better position to stop further damage if you identify your hearing loss early on. When it comes to hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so important. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and follow through with it.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will help you stay clear of further damage to your ears by providing you with personalized instructions when you come in for an assessment.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by wearing hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from turning the volume of your television up so loud it harms your ears. 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 problems.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
Even though we can’t cure hearing loss, we are doing hard work to help you limit further damage. Treatment of hearing loss is typically one of the best approaches to that. Your current level of hearing will be maintained and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the proper treatment.
You’re taking the correct steps to prevent hearing loss and put yourself in the best position to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, utilize ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.
