The first thing to do, when you start to recognize that you have hearing loss, is to avoid added damage. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to protect your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Step 1: Clean Your Ears
Remember learning to make sure you clean behind your ears when you learned basic hygiene (or at least should have learned). In terms of hearing health, however, we aren’t concerned with the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
There are multiple ways that keeping your ears free from wax can assist your hearing:
- In the long run, neglected hearing loss can impact your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- Sound can be blocked from getting into the inner ear when there’s too much wax buildup. Consequently, your hearing becomes diminished.
- Your hearing can also be interfered with if you get a severe ear infection which can also be caused by unclean ears. Your hearing will go back to normal after the ear infection clears.
- If you use a hearing aid, earwax accumulation can hinder its function also. You may end up feeling like your hearing is going downhill because of this.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s definitely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one should almost be left off the list it’s so intuitive. The issue is that most people are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. Over an extended period of time, for example, your hearing can be damaged by driving on a busy highway. Your lawnmower motor can be pretty taxing on your ears, also. Clearly, it’s more than rock concerts or loud speakers that cause hearing damage.
Some practical ways to escape damaging noises include:
- When volume levels get too loud, an app on your phone can notify you of that.
- Refraining from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. Most phones have built-in warnings when you’re nearing a dangerous threshold.
- Using hearing protection when noisy environments are unavoidable. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s great. Just wear the necessary hearing protection. A perfect example would be earmuffs and earplugs.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” good after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. You can only get a clean bill of health for your ears by a hearing specialist.
Step #3: If You Have Any Hearing Loss – Get it Addressed
Hearing loss accumulates most of the time. So, the sooner you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent additional damage. So in terms of stopping hearing loss, treatment is so essential. Your hearing will get the greatest benefit if you seek out and follow through on effective treatment.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Our guidance will help you learn to safeguard your hearing because it is customized and personalized for you.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing aids will counter further deterioration of your hearing by stopping this damage.
- The chance of developing hearing loss related health issues is reduced by wearing hearing aids because they prevent social solitude and brain strain.
Decreasing Hearing Loss Will Benefit You in The Future
Although we don’t have a cure for hearing loss, additional damage can be prevented with treatment. One of the main ways to do that, in many cases, is hearing aids. The appropriate treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and stop it from worsening.
When you use hearing protection, engage in good hygiene, and obtain hearing loss treatment, you’re taking the proper steps to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the future.