Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can switch the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it satisfies a few general criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. But as long as you have a hard time hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s caused by genetic factors, age, blockages, or exposure to loud noise.
Limiting the damage is the first step you should take when confronted with hearing loss of any variety. You can, after all, take some simple steps to limit additional damage and safeguard your ears.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
When you were a kid, you likely learned that you need to clean behind your ears. In terms of hearing health, we’re not concerned with the places behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildup can improve your hearing in a number of different ways:
- Your risk of developing an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can cause inflammation which will impede your hearing. Your hearing will usually return to normal after the infection clears.
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This might make it seem as if your hearing is diminishing.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a substantial amount of earwax builds up. When this happens you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not suggested that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added harm. As an alternative, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud sounds that could result in hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. But what exactly comprises a “loud sound”? For example, highway travel can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long amount of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears, as well. As you can see, it isn’t only blasting speakers or raucous rock concerts that damage your ears.
Some useful ways to stay away from damaging noises include:
- When you need to be in a noisy setting, use hearing protection. Are you working on the floor of a loud factory? It’s okay if you want to go to that rock concert. But use the necessary ear protection. You can get enough protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When you’re listening to music or viewing videos, keep the volume of your headphones at safe levels. Most phones include built-in warnings when you’re approaching a hazardous threshold.
- When decibel levels become dangerously loud, you can utilize an app on your phone to alert you.
There’s a slow advancement to hearing loss that’s a result of loud sound. So don’t just presume that your hearing is okay after a loud event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in and see us can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Manage any hearing loss you might have
In most situations, hearing loss develops gradually over a long period of time. You’ll be in a better position to avoid additional damage if you recognize your hearing loss early. When it comes to hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so significant. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and follow through with it.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will help you stay clear of further damage to your ears by providing you with personalized guidance when you come in for an assessment.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health conditions.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking the volume of your television up so loud it harms your ears. This will prevent further noise-related damage.
Over the long haul, you will be helped by using hearing aids
Even though we can’t cure hearing loss, we are doing hard work to help you prevent further damage. Treatment of hearing loss is usually one of the best approaches to that. Your current level of hearing will be preserved and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the proper treatment.
You’re taking the correct measures to limit hearing loss and put yourself in the best situation to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, utilize ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing tests.