Isn’t pizza interesting? As long as a few criteria are met, you can adjust toppings, cheese, and sauce, and it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. Symptoms and presentations are caused by a number of different issues, loud noises, genetic factors, age, or ear blockages, but as long as you have a hard time hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Minimizing the damage is the first step you should take when confronted with hearing loss of any type. You can, after all, take some simple steps to limit further damage and safeguard your ears.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
When you were younger, you probably were taught that you need to wash behind your ears. When it comes to hearing health, we aren’t concerned with the areas behind your ears, but rather inside of your ears.
There are a number of ways that earwax accumulation can impact your hearing:
- Unclean ears increase your risk of developing an ear infection, which creates inflammation that when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. When your ear infection goes away, your regular hearing will normally return (but that’s something you should talk to a doctor about).
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This could give you the impression that your hearing is going.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be impeded when a substantial amount of earwax accumulates. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
A cotton swab is absolutely not the correct tool to use to clear any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. In most cases, a cotton swab will worsen the problem or cause added damage. As an alternative, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Really loud noises should be averted
This is so evident that it kind of goes without saying. But what exactly comprises a “loud sound”? For example, freeway travel can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears, also. As you can see, it’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears.
Here are a number of ways to steer clear of loud, harmful noises.:
- When you need to be in a noisy setting, utilize hearing protection. Are you working on a noisy factory floor? It’s fine if you want to attend that rock concert. But you need to use the correct ear protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels get to hazardous thresholds.
- When you’re listening to tunes or viewing videos, keep your headphone volume at safe levels. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in warning.
There’s a gradual advancement to hearing loss that’s due to loud sound. 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: Manage any hearing loss you might have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. You’ll be in a better position to stop further damage if you recognize your hearing loss early. That’s why treatment is incredibly important in terms of minimizing hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and follow through with it.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from turning the volume of your television up so loud it becomes harmful. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also prevent further impairment of your hearing.
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are worsened by social isolation and brain strain can be avoided by wearing hearing aids.
- When you come in for a consultation we will provide individualized instructions and advice to help you avoid additional damage to your ears.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss has no cure, hearing specialists are focused on limiting further harm to your ears. Treatment of hearing loss is typically one of the best approaches to that. The right treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and stop it from getting worse.
When you wear ear protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the correct steps to prevent hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the future.