Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can adjust the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it satisfies a few basic factors, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. But as long as you have a hard time hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Limiting the damage is the first thing you should do when facing hearing loss of any type. You can, after all, take some simple measures to limit further damage and safeguard your ears.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
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’re not worried about the parts behind your ears, but rather inside of your ears.
There are a number of ways that earwax buildup can impact your hearing:
- Your chance of developing an ear infection is increased if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can lead to inflammation which will interfere with your hearing. When your ear infection clears, your regular hearing will normally return (but that’s something you should consult a doctor about).
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can block soundwaves from reaching your inner ear. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- If you use a hearing aid, earwax can also impact that. This could make it seem as though your hearing is worsening.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will worsen the problem or cause additional harm. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended instead.
Tip 2: Very loud noises should be averted
This is so obvious that it sort of goes without saying. But what precisely comprises a “loud sound”? For example, highway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. Your ears can also be damaged by regular usage of your lawn mower. As you can see, it’s not just blasting speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears.
Some practical ways to prevent harmful noises include:
- 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.
- Using hearing protection when noisy environments are necessary. Do you work on a loud industrial floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s awesome. But wear the necessary hearing protection. You can get adequate protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When decibel levels become dangerously loud, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
There’s a slow progression to hearing loss that’s a result of loud sound. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a noisy 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 may have
In general, hearing loss is progressive. You’ll be in a better position to prevent additional damage if you recognize your hearing loss early on. When it comes to hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so crucial. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and implement it.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. 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.
- 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.
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 minimize additional damage. In many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the best ways to accomplish that. The right treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and prevent it from worsening.
You’re taking the proper measures to prevent hearing loss and put yourself in the best situation to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, use ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.