Pizza is an interesting thing. As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is similar. Symptoms and presentations are caused by many different issues – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have trouble detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Stopping the damage is usually the first thing to do when you begin to detect hearing loss. This is only one simple measure you can take to safeguard your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your parents used to constantly ask “did you clean behind your ears”? But in terms of the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re interested in.
Keeping your ears free of wax buildups can help your hearing in numerous different ways:
- Sound waves will have a harder time reaching your inner ear if you have substantial buildup. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
- Your ability to hear can be obstructed by inflammation which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of dirty ears. Your functional hearing will typically return when then the infection goes away.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be affected over time by neglected hearing loss.
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also impede their operation. If this occurs you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
You should not ever try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. 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 result in hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. The issue is that most individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears, highway driving can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be compromised by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be cautious to protect your ears!
Some useful ways to avoid damaging noises include:
- Avoid cranking the volume up on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to music. When you’re listening at dangerous levels, most phones have built-in alerts.
- Wearing ear protection when loud conditions are inescapable. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s fine but don’t forget your hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs give ample protection.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when the volume reaches dangerous thresholds.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will accumulate gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” good after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
Hearing loss generally accumulates over time. So you’ll be in a better position to avoid further harm if you catch it early. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is why having it treated is so significant. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social separation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to crank up the tv to dangerous volumes. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
- We will provide customized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the main 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 giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!