Isn’t pizza cool? You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. Symptoms and manifestations are a consequence of many different problems – loud noises, genetics, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have difficulty detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (regardless of the type), the first thing you need to do is try to limit the damage. This is only one basic step you can take to safeguard your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your parents used to constantly ask “did you clean behind your ears”? When it involves hearing health, we’re not worried about the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in a number of ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- After a while, untreated hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- Sound waves will have a harder time reaching your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- Your ability to hear can be impeded by inflammation which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of unclean ears. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will usually come back.
- Earwax buildup also disrupts the operation 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. Cotton swabs can jam the earwax further up into the ear canal and can trigger even more damage. You can get earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local pharmacy which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could contribute to hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. The challenge is that most people are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” really is. There are lots of hazards to your hearing in everyday life including things as common as driving on a loud highway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be damaged by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be mindful to protect your hearing!
Here are a few useful ways to eliminate noise damage:
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud setting, wear hearing protection. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s fine. Just wear the necessary ear protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- Refrain from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to music. Most cellphones feature built-in alerts when you’re getting close to a hazardous level.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when the volume reaches hazardous levels.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” fine 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: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
Hearing loss typically accumulates over time. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is why getting it treated is so crucial. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with personalized advice and guidelines.
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social separation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to crank the tv up to harmful volumes. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent it. The correct treatment will help you maintain your present level 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!
