Isn’t pizza great? You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. Symptoms and presentations are caused by many different issues – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Stopping the damage is usually the first thing to do when you begin to detect hearing loss. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to safeguard your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not worried about the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildups can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be affected over time by untreated hearing loss.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time reaching your inner ear if you have substantial accumulation. Your hearing becomes jeopardized as a result.
- Untidy ears boost your risk of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when severe enough, impedes your ability to hear. Your normal hearing will usually return when then the infection goes away.
- Earwax buildup also disrupts the functioning of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make it seem as though your hearing is worsening.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause additional damage. You can get earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could cause hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. But determining what comprises “loud sound” is not very easy for most individuals. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your hearing, highway driving can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears as well. And, be careful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some practical ways to avoid damaging noises include:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when the volume reaches dangerous levels.
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud environment, use hearing protection. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s okay but don’t forget your hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- Refrain from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to music. When you’re listening at harmful levels, most phones have built-in warnings.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up slowly. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can let you know if you have hearing loss.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
Hearing loss generally builds over time. So you’ll be in a better position to prevent further damage if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is incredibly crucial when it comes to controlling hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you observe the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to crank the tv up to damaging volumes. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with personalized advice and instructions.
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
Treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there’s no cure. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will stop additional damage while protecting your present degree of hearing.
When you use hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the correct measures to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!