Isn’t pizza interesting? You can adjust the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. Symptoms and presentations are caused by a number of different problems, loud noises, genetics, age, or ear blockages, but as long as you have difficulty detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Minimizing the damage is the first step you should take when confronted with hearing loss of any variety. You can, after all, take some simple measures to limit further damage and protect your ears.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
When you were a kid, you likely learned that you need to wash behind your ears. But it’s inside of your ears that we’re worried about here, in terms of hearing health, not the back of your ears.
There are a number of ways that earwax accumulation can affect your hearing:
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a substantial amount of earwax builds up. Consequently, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also impact that. This might make it seem as though your hearing is diminishing.
- Unkempt ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that when significant enough, impedes your hearing. Your hearing will usually return to normal after the infection clears.
If you find earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can cause damage and will almost always worsen the situation. Over-the-counter ear drops are encouraged instead.
Tip 2: Avoid loud sounds that could contribute to hearing loss
This is so obvious that it kind of goes without saying. But what exactly constitutes a “loud sound”? For example, highway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. Your ears can also be damaged by frequent use of your lawn mower. As you can tell, it isn’t just blasting speakers or raucous rock concerts that damage your ears.
Here are some ways to steer clear of loud, damaging noises.:
- When you’re listening to tunes or watching videos, keep your headphone volume at safe levels. Most phones offer built-in warnings when you’re approaching a dangerous limit.
- When decibel levels become dangerously loud, you can make use of an app on your phone to alert you.
- Using hearing protection when noisy settings are necessary. Are you working on the floor of a noisy factory? It’s okay if you want to go to that rock concert. But you should use the correct hearing protection. You can get enough protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will progress slowly. 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: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to protect against added damage. That’s why treatment is incredibly important when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- We will help you stay clear of further damage to your ears by providing you with individualized instructions when you come in for an assessment.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking the volume of your television up so loud it becomes harmful. This will prevent further noise-related damage.
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are worsened by social solitude and brain strain can be prevented by wearing hearing aids.
Over the long haul, you will be benefited by using hearing aids
While it’s true that hearing loss has no cure, hearing specialists are working hard to limit further harm to your ears. Treatment of hearing loss is usually one of the primary approaches to that. The appropriate treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and stop it from getting worse.
When you wear ear protection, maintain good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the proper steps to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance of healthy hearing in the future.
