Isn’t pizza great? You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets some standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. As long as you are having a hard time hearing sound, whether it’s related to an obstruction, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Typically, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you need to do is attempt to stop the damage. This is only one basic measure you can take to protect your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? When it involves hearing health, we aren’t concerned with the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax buildups can help your hearing in numerous different ways:
- Over time, untreated hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- Sound waves will have a harder time getting into your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- Earwax buildup also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. If this occurs you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Your ability to hear can be obstructed by inflammation which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of dirty ears. Your functional hearing will typically come back when then the infection clears up.
You should not ever try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could result in hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. The challenge is that most people have no clue what a “loud noise” really is. There are many risks to your hearing in everyday life including things as common as driving on a noisy freeway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be compromised by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And, be careful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are a few practical ways to avoid noise damage:
- When volume levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- Wearing hearing protection when noisy conditions are unavoidable. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s okay but remember your hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, watch your headphone volume. When you’re listening at hazardous levels, most phones have built-in alerts.
So if you go to a noisy event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is usually a slow 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 harm if you catch it early. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is the reason why having it treated is so significant. 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:
- Mental strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-associated health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
- We will give you customized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to crank up the tv to harmful volumes. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent it. The correct treatment will help you maintain your current degree of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you use hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the best steps to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!