The first thing to do, when you start to recognize that you have hearing loss, is to avoid further damage. After all, you can take some simple steps to prevent additional damage and protect your ears.
Step 1: Keep Your Ears Clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? In terms of hearing health, though, we’re not worried about the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can help your hearing in several different ways:
- Your brain and ability to decipher sound will inevitably be affected by neglected hearing loss.
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax accumulation can interfere with its function as well. You may end up feeling like your hearing is going downhill because of this.
- Sound can be blocked from reaching the inner ear when there’s too much wax accumulation. Consequently, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
- Unkempt ears increase your odds of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that (when severe enough) interferes with your ability to hear. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will normally come back.
If you find earwax buildup, it’s definitely not advisable that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most instances, a cotton swab will worsen the situation or cause additional damage. Over the counter ear drops are a smarter decision.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one is so obvious it almost shouldn’t be on the list. But identifying how loud is too loud is the real problem for most individuals. Over an extended time period, for instance, your ears can be damaged by driving on a busy freeway. Also, believe it or not, your lawn mower can take a toll on your ears. As you can see, it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears.
Here are some ways to avoid damaging noise:
- When decibel levels get too loud, an app on your phone can alert you of that.
- Staying away from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re listening to music or watching videos. When dangerous volumes are being approached, most phones feature a built in warning.
- Wearing hearing protection when loud environments can’t be avoided. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. But be sure to use the proper protection for your hearing. Modern earmuffs and earplugs offer ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing professional can give your hearing a clean bill of health.
Step #3: If You Have Any Hearing Loss – Have it Treated
Generally speaking, hearing impairment is cumulative. So, the earlier you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent additional damage. That’s why getting treated is extremely important when it comes to decreasing hearing loss. Effective treatments (that you follow through with) will keep your hearing in the best possible shape.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by using hearing aids. Hearing aids will, for instance, let you listen to music or the TV at a lower volume, avoiding damage. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- Our advice will help you learn to safeguard your hearing because it is customized and personalized for you.
- The potential of developing hearing loss related health issues is reduced by using hearing aids because they minimize social isolation and brain strain.
Limiting Hearing Loss Will Benefit You in The Long Run
Although we can’t cure hearing loss, additional damage can be avoided with treatment. In many instances, hearing aids are one of the main ways to achieve that. Getting the necessary treatment will not only stop further damage but also keep your present hearing level intact.
Your allowing yourself the best possibility for healthy hearing into the future by using ear protection, getting the appropriate treatment, and exercising good hearing hygiene.