Pizza is an interesting thing. You can adjust the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it satisfies a few basic factors, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. But as long as you have difficulty hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss whether it’s due to 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. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to protect your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those childhood hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? In terms of hearing health, we aren’t worried about the areas behind your ears, but rather inside of your ears.
There are various ways that earwax accumulation can affect your hearing:
- Unclean ears increase your chances of getting an ear infection, which causes swelling that when significant enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your hearing will normally return to normal when the infection is gone.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a significant amount of earwax builds up. Consequently, your ability to hear becomes decreased.
- Earwax buildup also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make it seem as though your hearing is worsening.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s definitely not suggested that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. In most situations, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. Over-the-counter ear drops are encouraged as an alternative.
Tip 2: Avoid loud sounds that could cause hearing loss
This is so evident that it sort of goes without saying. But what precisely comprises a “loud sound”? For instance, highway driving can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be harmed by frequent usage of your lawn mower. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are a number of ways to steer clear of loud, damaging noises.:
- Wearing ear protection when loud settings are necessary. Do you work on the floor of a loud factory? It’s okay if you want to go to that rock concert. But wear the required hearing protection. You can get adequate protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When decibel levels become dangerously loud, you can make use of an app on your phone to alert you.
- Abstaining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to tunes. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in alert.
There’s a gradual advancement to hearing loss that’s due to loud sound. So don’t simply presume that your hearing is fine after a loud event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in for a hearing exam can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Manage any hearing loss you may have
In most instances, hearing loss develops gradually over a long period of time. You’ll be in a better position to stop further damage if you recognize your hearing loss early. In terms of hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so crucial. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible situation.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will help you stay clear of further damage to your ears by supplying you with individualized instructions when you come in for an assessment.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. If you’re wearing hearing aids, for instance, you won’t always need to turn volumes up to harmful levels. This will prevent further noise-related damage.
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are worsened by social solitude and brain strain can be avoided by using hearing aids.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
Although we’re not able to cure hearing loss, we are putting in hard work to help you prevent additional damage. In many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to accomplish that. The appropriate treatment will help you protect your current level of hearing and stop it from worsening.
When you wear ear protection, maintain good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the proper measures to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come.