Pizza is an interesting thing. As long as a few factors are met, you can alter toppings, cheese, and sauce, and it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. Symptoms and presentations are caused by numerous different problems, loud noises, genetic factors, age, or ear blockages, but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is the first step you should take when facing hearing loss of any type. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to protect your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? But it’s your inner ears that we’re concerned with here, when it comes to hearing health, not behind your ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can help your hearing in several different ways:
- Your risk of developing an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can cause swelling which will impede your hearing. Your hearing will usually go back to normal after the infection is gone.
- If you use a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This might make it seem as though your hearing is diminishing.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be impeded when a substantial amount of earwax accumulates. Consequently, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
If you find earwax buildup, it’s definitely not suggested that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can cause damage and will typically make the problem worse. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended as an alternative.
Tip 2: Very loud noises should be avoided
This one is so instinctive it practically shouldn’t be on this list. The problem is that most individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. For example, highway travel can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be damaged by frequent usage of your lawn mower. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are some ways to avoid loud, damaging noises.:
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can utilize an app on your phone to alert you.
- Wearing ear protection when loud settings are unavoidable. Do you work on a loud industrial floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. But wear the necessary hearing protection. You can get enough protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When you’re listening to music or viewing videos, keep your headphone volume at safe levels. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in warning.
There’s a gradual advancement to hearing loss that’s a result of loud sound. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. We can only help you figure out if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: Address any hearing loss you might have
In most instances, hearing loss accumulates slowly over an extended period of time. You’ll be in a better position to prevent additional damage if you recognize your hearing loss early. That’s why treatment is tremendously important when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best position if you get treatment and implement it.
Here’s how treatments work:
- When you come in and see us we will give you personalized instructions and advice to help you avoid additional damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids reduce the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health conditions.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by using hearing aids. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from cranking the volume of your television up so loud it becomes harmful. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
Over the long haul, you will be helped by wearing hearing aids
While we know that hearing loss can’t be cured, hearing specialists are working hard to limit further harm to your ears. Treatment of hearing loss is typically one of the best approaches to that. The correct treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and stop it from worsening.
You’re taking the appropriate measures to minimize hearing loss and put yourself in the best situation to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, utilize ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.