Pizza is an interesting thing. As long as it meets a few standard criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. As long as you are having trouble hearing sound, whether it’s due to a blockage, age, loud noise, or whatever else, it’s still hearing loss.
Stopping the damage is usually the first step to take when you begin to notice hearing loss. This is only one basic step you can take to protect your hearing from further damage.
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 comes to hearing health, we aren’t worried about the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in several ways by keeping your ears free of earwax:
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be impacted over time by untreated hearing loss.
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make it seem as if your hearing is worsening.
- Your ability to hear can be impeded by swelling which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of unclean ears. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will typically come back.
- When wax buildup becomes substantial, it can block sound waves from reaching your inner ear. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can push the earwax further up into the ear canal and can cause even more harm. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. But identifying what constitutes “loud sound” is not easy for most individuals. There are many risks 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 compromised by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And, be mindful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some practical ways to avoid damaging noises include:
- When volume levels get too high, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud environment, use hearing protection. If you want to go to 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 watching movies or listening to music, watch your headphone volume. When you’re listening at harmful volumes, most phones have built-in warnings.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is often a gradual progression. Only a hearing specialist can let you know if you have hearing loss.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
Hearing loss generally builds over time. So you’ll be in a better position to avoid further harm if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is incredibly important when it comes to controlling hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible state.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with personalized advice and guidelines.
- Brain strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-related health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
In the long run you will be benefited by using hearing aids
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent it. The correct treatment will help you preserve 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 quality hygiene!
