Isn’t pizza great? As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. As long as you are having difficulty hearing sound, whether it’s caused by an obstruction, age, loud noise, or whatever else, it’s still hearing loss.
Stopping the damage is normally the first step to take when you begin to detect hearing loss. This is only one basic measure you can take to safeguard your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your mom used to constantly ask “did you clean behind your ears”? But when it comes to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re worried about.
Your hearing can be helped in numerous ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Untidy ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when significant enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will typically return.
- Earwax accumulation also disrupts the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. If this occurs you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Sound waves will have a harder time reaching your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- After a while, untreated hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
You should not ever attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most situations, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause additional damage. You can buy earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Try to avoid loud noises that could lead to hearing loss
This one should be pretty intuitive. But defining what comprises “loud sound” is not easy for most people. There are many dangers to your hearing in everyday life including things as common as driving on a noisy freeway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be very straining on your ears as well. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be careful to protect your hearing!
Some practical ways to avoid harmful noises include:
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud setting, wear hearing protection. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s okay but don’t forget your ear protection. You can get enough protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- When decibel levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- Avoid turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to tunes. 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 gradual progression. Your hearing can only get a clean bill of health by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
Hearing loss generally builds over time. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to avoid further damage. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is why getting it treated is so significant. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible state.
Treatment works like this:
- Mental strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-associated health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with individualized advice and instructions.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
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 instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will prevent additional damage while maintaining your current degree of hearing.
When you wear hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the correct measures to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!
