Pizza is an interesting thing. You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets some standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. As long as you are having trouble hearing sound, whether it’s due to an obstruction, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is usually the first thing to do when you start to notice hearing loss. There are, after all, some easy measures you can take to safeguard your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? When it involves hearing health, we aren’t concerned with the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in a number of ways by keeping your ears free of earwax:
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time getting into your inner ear if you have substantial buildup. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
- After a while, neglected hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- Earwax accumulation also impedes the functioning of your hearing aid if you use one. This might make it seem like your hearing is worsening.
- Untidy ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will typically come back when then the infection clears up.
You should never try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. Cotton swabs can jam the earwax further up into the ear canal and can trigger even more harm. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could cause hearing loss
This one should be fairly obvious. But determining what comprises “loud sound” isn’t very easy for most people. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears, freeway driving can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be damaged by things like your lawn mower engine. And, be careful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are a few 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 have built-in alerts when you’re approaching a hazardous level.
- Wearing ear protection when noisy environments are inescapable. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s okay but don’t forget your hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when the volume reaches dangerous levels.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will accumulate gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” good 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 prevent further damage. So in terms of hearing loss, this is the reason why getting it treated is so crucial. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with individualized advice and guidelines.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health issues.
Limit hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss properly will prevent additional damage while protecting your current level of hearing.
When you wear hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the correct steps to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!