Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can switch the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it satisfies a few general criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. Symptoms and presentations are caused by a number of different issues, loud noises, genetics, age, or ear obstructions, but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is the first thing you should do when facing hearing loss of any type. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to protect your hearing and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
When you were a kid, you probably learned that you need to wash behind your ears. When it comes to hearing health, we’re not worried about the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can help your hearing in several different ways:
- When wax accumulation becomes significant, it can prevent soundwaves from getting into your inner ear. As a result, your ability to hear becomes decreased.
- Unkempt ears increase your risk of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that when severe enough, disrupts your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will usually come back (but that’s something you should consult a doctor about).
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the functionality of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make you think that your hearing is starting to fail.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not recommended that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Very loud noises should be averted
This is so evident that it kind of goes without saying. The issue is that most people are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. A highway, for instance, can be noisy enough that over an extended time period, it can damage your ears. Your ears can also be harmed by frequent usage of your lawn mower. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are a number of ways to avoid loud, harmful noises.:
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can make use of an app on your phone to alert you.
- Wearing ear protection when noisy settings are necessary. Are you working on the floor of a loud factory? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s awesome. But use the necessary ear protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide adequate protection.
- Refraining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re viewing videos or listening to music. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in alert.
There’s a gradual development to hearing loss that’s a result of loud sound. So don’t simply presume that your hearing is okay after a loud event, even if it feels fine. We can only help you find out if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: Address any hearing loss you might have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. You’ll be in a better position to protect against further damage if you recognize your hearing loss early on. When it comes to hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so essential. Your hearing will be in the best position if you get treatment and implement it.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are exacerbated by social solitude and brain strain can be avoided by using hearing aids.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. If you’re wearing hearing aids, for example, you won’t always need to turn volumes up to damaging levels. This will counter further noise-related damage.
- When you come in and see us we will give you personalized instructions and advice to help you steer clear of additional damage to your ears.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you over the long haul
Even though we can’t cure hearing loss, we are doing hard work to help you limit further damage. In many cases, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to accomplish that. Your current level of hearing will be maintained and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the correct treatment.
When you wear ear protection, maintain good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the correct steps to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the future.