Isn’t pizza interesting? As long as a few factors are met, you can adjust toppings, cheese, and sauce, and it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. But as long as you have difficulty hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss 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 confronted with hearing loss of any variety. You can, after all, take some basic steps to limit further damage and protect your ears.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
When you were a kid, you probably were taught that you need to wash behind your ears. But it’s your inner ears that we’re worried about here, when it comes to hearing health, not behind your ears.
There are various ways that earwax buildup can affect your hearing:
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This may make it seem as if your hearing is worsening.
- Your risk of developing an ear infection is increased if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can result in inflammation which will obstruct your hearing. When your ear infection clears, your regular hearing will normally return (but that’s something you should talk to a doctor about).
- Sound waves going to your ears can be impeded when a significant amount of earwax accumulates. As a result, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
If you observe earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most circumstances, a cotton swab will worsen the problem or cause added harm. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended instead.
Tip 2: Very loud noises should be averted
This is so evident that it sort of goes without saying. The issue is that most individuals are hard-pressed to characterize what a “loud noise” really is. A highway, for instance, can be noisy enough that over an extended period of time, it can harm your ears. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears, also. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are some ways to steer clear of loud, damaging noises.:
- When you need to be in a loud environment, utilize hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. But wear the necessary hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs provide sufficient protection.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when volumes reach hazardous thresholds.
- Abstaining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re viewing videos or listening to music. The majority of phones include built-in warnings when you’re nearing a dangerous limit.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up slowly. So don’t just presume that your hearing is okay after a loud event, even if it feels fine. We can only help you find out if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: Address any hearing loss you may have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is progressive. So, the earlier you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent additional damage. That’s why treatment is incredibly 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:
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are exacerbated by social isolation and brain strain can be avoided by using hearing aids.
- When you come in and see us we will give you individualized instructions and advice to help you steer clear of additional damage to your ears.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by wearing hearing aids. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also prevent further impairment of your hearing.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you over the long haul
Despite the fact that we’re not able to cure hearing loss, we are doing hard work to help you prevent further damage. Treatment of hearing loss is typically 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 proper treatment.
When you wear ear protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the correct steps to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come.