Isn’t pizza cool? As long as it meets a few basic 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 difficulty hearing sound, whether it’s due to a blockage, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Typically, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (regardless of the type), the first thing you need to do is try to limit the damage. There are, after all, some simple steps you can take to safeguard your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your parents used to constantly ask “did you wash behind your ears”? When it comes to hearing health, we aren’t worried about the space behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in a number of ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Untidy ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when severe enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will usually come back.
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their functionality. If this occurs you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- After a while, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can stop sound waves from reaching your inner ear. As a result, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Try to avoid loud noises that could result in hearing loss
This one should be pretty intuitive. But identifying what comprises “loud sound” isn’t very easy for most people. There are many risks to your hearing in day-to-day life and that includes 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 careful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some useful ways to steer clear of damaging noises include:
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud environment, wear hearing protection. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s cool. Just wear the necessary ear protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when decibel levels reach damaging thresholds.
- Avoid cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. When you’re listening at unsafe volumes, 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 often a slow progression. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
Hearing loss generally accumulates over time. So you’ll be in a better position to avoid further damage if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is incredibly essential when it comes to restricting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Brain strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-related health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
- We will provide personalized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
In the long run you will be benefited by using hearing aids
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. The correct treatment will help you preserve your current 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!