Isn’t pizza interesting? As long as a few criteria are met, you can change toppings, cheese, and sauce, and 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 whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, blockages, or exposure to loud noise.
Limiting the damage is the first step you should take when facing hearing loss of any variety. You can, after all, take some basic steps to limit further damage and protect your ears.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you wash behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? When it comes to hearing health, we aren’t concerned with the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
There are a number of ways that earwax buildup can affect your hearing:
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the functionality of your hearing aid if you use one. This may give you the impression that your hearing is starting to fail.
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can prevent soundwaves from getting into your inner ear. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
- Unkempt ears increase your risk of getting an ear infection, which creates inflammation that when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will normally return (but that’s something you should talk to a doctor about).
If you observe earwax accumulation, it’s definitely not recommended that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional harm. As an alternative, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud sounds that could cause hearing loss
This is so obvious that it sort of goes without saying. The issue is that the majority of people are hard-pressed to characterize what a “loud noise” actually is. A highway, for instance, can be noisy enough that over a long time period, it can harm your ears. The motor on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears, also. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Some practical ways to prevent harmful noises include:
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
- 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 warning.
- Using hearing protection when loud settings are unavoidable. Do you work on the floor of a loud factory? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s awesome. But you should use the correct hearing protection. You can get plenty of protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
There’s a slow progression to hearing loss that’s caused by loud sound. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only if you come in for a hearing exam can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Manage any hearing loss you might have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to protect against additional damage. That’s why treatment is tremendously important when it comes to minimizing hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and follow through with it.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing loss-related health problems that are exacerbated by social isolation and brain strain can be prevented by using hearing aids.
- Hearing aids can prevent 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 counter further noise-related damage.
- We will help you avoid additional damage to your ears by providing you with individualized guidance when you come in for a consultation.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you over the long haul
Although we’re not able to cure hearing loss, we are putting in hard work to help you prevent further damage. In many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to accomplish that. Your current level of hearing will be preserved and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the correct treatment.
When you wear ear protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the correct measures to prevent hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come.