Pizza is an interesting thing. As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. Symptoms and presentations are a consequence of many different issues – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have trouble detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Stopping the damage is normally the first thing to do when you begin to notice hearing loss. This is just one basic step you can take to protect your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Remember when your parents used to always ask “did you clean behind your ears”? When it comes to hearing health, we aren’t worried about the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in numerous ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- After a while, neglected hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- Your ability to hear can be obstructed by inflammation which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of dirty ears. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will typically return.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time getting into your inner ear if you have substantial buildup. Your hearing becomes jeopardized as a result.
- Earwax buildup also disrupts the functioning of your hearing aid if you use one. This may make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added 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 result in hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. The challenge is that most individuals have no clue what a “loud noise” actually is. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears, freeway driving can be noisy enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears too. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be cautious to safeguard your ears!
Here are some practical ways to avoid noise damage:
- Avoid cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to tunes. Most cellphones include built-in alerts when you’re getting close to a hazardous level.
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud environment, wear hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s fine. Just use the necessary ear protection. You can get enough protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when the volume reaches unsafe thresholds.
So if you go to a noisy event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is usually a gradual progression. Only a hearing specialist can let you know if you have hearing loss.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
In general, hearing loss is accumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to avoid further damage. That’s why treatment is very crucial when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you observe the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will give you customized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to turn the tv up to dangerous volumes. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- Mental strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-related health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
In the long run you will be benefited by using hearing aids
Treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there’s no cure. The correct treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you wear hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the correct measures to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!