Isn’t pizza interesting? You can alter the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it satisfies a few general factors, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. But as long as you have trouble hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s caused by genetic factors, age, blockages, or exposure to loud noise.
Minimizing the damage is the first thing you should do when facing hearing loss of any variety. There are, after all, some simple steps you can take to protect your hearing and limit added hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
When you were younger, you most likely were taught that you need to clean behind your ears. But it’s your inner ears that we’re concerned with 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 impeded when a significant amount of earwax accumulates. When this takes place you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
- Your risk of getting 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 normally return to normal after the infection is gone.
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This could make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s definitely not suggested that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. In most circumstances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. As an alternative, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Really loud noises should be averted
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. The issue is that most individuals are hard-pressed to characterize what a “loud noise” really is. For example, highway travel can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. Your ears can also be damaged by regular use of your lawn mower. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Some useful ways to avoid damaging noises include:
- Refraining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re viewing videos or listening to music. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in warning.
- Wearing hearing protection when noisy settings are necessary. Do you work on a noisy industrial floor? It’s okay if you want to go to that rock concert. But use the required ear protection. You can get adequate protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when decibel levels get to dangerous thresholds.
There’s a gradual advancement to hearing loss that’s a result of loud sound. So don’t just assume that your hearing is fine after a noisy event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in and see us can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the sooner you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to protect against added damage. In terms of hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so crucial. Your hearing will be in the best position if you get treatment and follow through with it.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids reduce the brain strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health conditions.
- When you come in and see us we will provide individualized instructions and advice to help you steer clear of further damage to your ears.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by wearing hearing aids. If you’re wearing hearing aids, for instance, you won’t always have to turn volumes up to harmful levels. This will prevent further noise-related damage.
In the long run, you will be helped by wearing hearing aids
While we know that hearing loss has no cure, hearing specialists are focused on limiting further harm to your hearing. Treatment of hearing loss is usually one of the primary approaches to 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, maintain good hygiene, and get hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the proper measures to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come.