Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can alter the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it meets a few basic factors, it’s still a pizza. That’s a lot like hearing loss. But as long as you have trouble hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Minimizing the damage is the first thing you should do when confronted with hearing loss of any variety. There are, after all, some simple steps you can take to safeguard your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
When you were a kid, you most likely learned that you need to clean behind your ears. But it’s your inner ears that we’re worried about here, in terms of hearing health, not behind your ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildup can help your hearing in a variety of different ways:
- When wax buildup becomes significant, it can block soundwaves from reaching your inner ear. When this occurs you won’t be able to hear as well.
- Unclean ears increase your risk of developing an ear infection, which creates swelling that when severe enough, disrupts your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your regular hearing will usually come back (but that’s something you should consult a doctor about).
- Earwax accumulation also impedes the functionality of your hearing aid if you use one. This may give you the impression that your hearing is starting to fail.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most situations, a cotton swab will worsen the problem or cause added damage. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Very loud sounds should be averted
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. The issue is that the majority of people are hard-pressed to characterize what a “loud noise” really is. For example, highway travel can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. Your ears can also be damaged by frequent usage of your lawn mower. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Some useful ways to prevent damaging noises include:
- Refraining from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to tunes. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in warning.
- When you need to be in a noisy setting, utilize hearing protection. Are you working on a noisy industrial floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s awesome. Just wear the required ear protection. You can get plenty of protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach dangerous thresholds.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will progress slowly. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. 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 may have
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. You’ll be in a better position to avoid additional damage if you recognize your hearing loss early on. When it comes to hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so crucial. Your hearing will be in the best position if you get treatment and implement it.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. If you’re using hearing aids, for instance, you won’t always need to turn volumes up to harmful levels. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also stop further degeneration of your hearing.
- When you come in for a consultation we will give you personalized instructions and advice to help you steer clear of additional damage to your ears.
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are exacerbated by social isolation and brain strain can be avoided by wearing hearing aids.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you over the long haul
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, hearing specialists are working hard to limit additional harm to your hearing. In many cases, hearing loss treatment is one of the best ways to achieve that. The correct treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and prevent it from worsening.
When you wear hearing protection, maintain good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the proper measures to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the future.
