Isn’t pizza cool? You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets some standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. Symptoms and manifestations are a consequence of many different problems – loud noises, genetics, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have difficulty detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Stopping the damage is normally the first thing to do when you begin to detect hearing loss. This is just one basic step you can take to protect your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? In terms of hearing health, we’re not concerned with the space behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax accumulation can help your hearing in a few different ways:
- Your ability to hear can be hampered by inflammation which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of unclean ears. Your functional hearing will typically come back when then the infection clears.
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be affected over time by untreated hearing loss.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time getting into your inner ear if you have substantial buildup. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- Earwax accumulation also impedes the functioning of your hearing aid if you use one. This might make it seem like your hearing is worsening.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things 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: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. But determining what comprises “loud sound” isn’t very easy for most individuals. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your hearing, freeway driving can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be damaged by things like your lawn mower engine. And, be mindful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are some practical ways to avoid noise damage:
- Avoid cranking the volume up on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to music. Most cellphones have built-in alerts when you’re approaching a hazardous level.
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud environment, use hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s cool. Just wear the correct ear protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when the volume reaches dangerous levels.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. So you’ll be in a better position to prevent further damage if you catch it early. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is the reason why having it treated is so significant. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will give you customized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social separation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to crank the tv up to harmful volumes. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent it. The correct treatment will help you preserve your current degree of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
In the years to come you will be providing yourself with the best opportunity for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!
