Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can adjust the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it meets a few general factors, it’s still a pizza. That’s a lot like hearing loss. But as long as you have trouble hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Minimizing the damage is the first thing you should do when facing hearing loss of any variety. You can, after all, take some basic measures to limit additional damage and protect your ears.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
When you were a kid, you most likely were taught that you need to clean behind your ears. But it’s inside of your ears that we’re concerned with here, when it comes to 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 occurs you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
- Your chance of developing an ear infection is increased if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can cause swelling which will obstruct your hearing. Your hearing will usually go back to normal after the infection clears.
- Earwax accumulation also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This may make it seem as though your hearing is worsening.
A cotton swab is definitely not the best tool to use to get any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. Cotton swabs can cause damage and will almost always make the problem worse. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Stay away from loud sounds that could cause hearing loss
This is so evident that it sort of goes without saying. But what exactly constitutes a “loud sound”? A highway, for instance, can be noisy enough that over a long time period, it can harm your ears. The engine on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears, also. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are a few ways to steer clear of loud, damaging noises.:
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can make use of an app on your phone to alert you.
- Using ear protection when loud environments are unavoidable. Do you work on the floor of a loud factory? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. But wear the required hearing protection. You can get enough protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When you’re listening to music or viewing videos, keep the volume of your headphones at safe levels. The majority of phones offer built-in alerts when you’re approaching a damaging threshold.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will progress slowly. So, even if your hearing “feels” okay after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only if you come in and see us can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Manage any hearing loss you may have
In most instances, hearing loss develops gradually over an extended period of time. So, the sooner you recognize 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. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible situation.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health conditions.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. If you’re using hearing aids, for instance, you won’t always need to turn volumes up to damaging levels. This will prevent further noise-related damage.
- We will help you stay clear of further damage to your ears by providing you with individualized guidance when you come in for an assessment.
Limit hearing loss – it will benefit you over the long haul
Even though we can’t cure hearing loss, we are doing hard work to help you minimize further damage. In many cases, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to achieve that. The appropriate treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
You’re taking the correct measures to prevent hearing loss and put yourself in the best position to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, utilize ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing tests.