Isn’t pizza cool? You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. Symptoms and presentations are a consequence of many different issues – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Normally, when you first notice hearing loss (regardless of the type), the first thing you should do is try to stop the damage. There are, after all, some simple steps you can take to safeguard your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? But in terms of the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re worried about.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildups can help your hearing in a few different ways:
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can stop sound waves from getting into your inner ear. As a result, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
- Earwax buildup also disrupts the functioning of your hearing aid if you use one. If this happens you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Untidy ears boost your chances of getting an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when significant enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will usually return.
- After a while, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested 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 damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be pretty intuitive. But identifying what comprises “loud sound” is not very easy for most individuals. There are many dangers to your hearing in everyday life and that includes things as common as driving on a loud freeway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be compromised by things like your lawn mower engine. And, be mindful to safeguard your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some useful ways to avoid damaging noises include:
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, watch your headphone volume. Most cellphones include built-in warnings when you’re approaching a hazardous level.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when the volume reaches unsafe levels.
- Wearing ear protection when noisy environments are inescapable. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s okay but don’t forget your hearing protection. You can get enough protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “seems” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can let you know if you have hearing loss.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
Hearing loss generally builds over time. So you’ll be in a better position to prevent further damage if you catch it early. So in terms of hearing loss, this is the reason why getting it treated is so crucial. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible state.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social separation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
- We will give you personalized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
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 principal ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will prevent additional damage while maintaining your current level of hearing.
When you wear hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the correct steps to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!
