Isn’t pizza interesting? You can adjust the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it satisfies a few general factors, it’s still a pizza. That’s a lot like hearing loss. But as long as you have a hard time hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s caused by genetic factors, age, blockages, or exposure to loud noise.
Limiting the damage is the first step you should take when confronted with hearing loss of any variety. You can, after all, take some basic measures to limit further damage and protect your ears.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those childhood hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? With regards to hearing health, we aren’t worried about the places behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
There are a number of ways that earwax accumulation can affect your hearing:
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This could give you the impression that your hearing is going.
- Your risk of developing an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can result in inflammation which will interfere with your hearing. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will usually come back (but that’s something you should talk to a doctor about).
- When wax buildup becomes substantial, it can stop soundwaves from reaching your inner ear. Consequently, your ability to hear becomes decreased.
A cotton swab is absolutely not the right tool to use to get any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. Cotton swabs can cause damage and will typically worsen the situation. As an alternative, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud sounds that could result in hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it practically shouldn’t be on the list. The issue is that the majority of individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” really is. For instance, highway driving can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long amount of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be very straining on your ears, also. As you can tell, it isn’t only blasting speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears.
Some practical ways to prevent harmful noises include:
- Using ear protection when noisy settings are necessary. Do you work on a loud factory floor? It’s okay if you want to attend that rock concert. But use the required ear protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs supply sufficient protection.
- When you’re listening to music or watching videos, keep the volume of your headphones at safe levels. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in alert.
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can make use of an app on your phone to alert you.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will progress gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” okay after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. We can only help you find out if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, deal with it
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to avoid additional damage. That’s why treatment is tremendously important in terms of minimizing 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 steer clear of further damage to your ears.
- Hearing loss-related health problems that are worsened by social solitude and brain strain can be avoided by using hearing aids.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will stop you from turning the volume of your television up so loud it harms your ears. This will prevent further noise-related damage.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While we know that hearing loss can’t be cured, hearing specialists are focused on limiting further harm to your ears. Treatment of hearing loss is usually one of the best approaches to that. Your current level of hearing will be protected and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the correct treatment.
You’re taking the correct steps to prevent hearing loss and put yourself in the best position to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, use ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.