Pizza is an interesting thing. As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. As long as you are having trouble hearing sound, whether it’s caused by a blockage, age, loud noise, or whatever else, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is normally the first thing to do when you begin to detect hearing loss. This is only one simple step you can take to protect your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Remember when your mom used to always ask “did you wash behind your ears”? But when it comes to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re interested in.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can help your hearing in numerous different ways:
- Untidy ears increase your chances of getting an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when severe enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will typically return.
- When wax accumulation becomes significant, it can block sound waves from getting into your inner ear. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their functionality. This might make it seem like your hearing is worsening.
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be affected over time by untreated hearing loss.
You should never try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most situations, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added damage. You can buy 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 doesn’t need to be on the list. The problem is that most people have no clue what a “loud noise” really is. There are lots of hazards to your hearing in everyday life and that includes things as common as driving on a noisy highway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be damaged by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And, be mindful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are some practical ways to eliminate noise damage:
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when the volume reaches harmful levels.
- Wearing hearing protection when noisy situations are not avoidable. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s fine but don’t forget your hearing protection. You can get enough protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, watch your headphone volume. Most cellphones feature built-in warnings when you’re getting close to a harmful level.
So if you go to a noisy event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is often a gradual progression. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
Hearing loss typically accumulates over time. So you’ll be better able to avoid further damage if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is incredibly essential when it comes to controlling hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will provide personalized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re unlikely to crank the tv up to damaging volumes. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
- Mental strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-related health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
Treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent hearing loss in spite of the fact that there’s no cure. The appropriate treatment will help you preserve your present degree of hearing and prevent it from becoming worse.
In the years to come you will be providing yourself with the best opportunity for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!