The first thing to do, when you start to recognize that you have hearing loss, is to prevent added damage. After all, you can take some easy actions to stop additional damage and safeguard your ears.
Step 1: Clean Your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those initial hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? In terms of hearing health, though, we’re not worried about the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
There are numerous ways that keeping your ears free of wax can help your hearing:
- Sound can be blocked from getting into the inner ear when there’s too much wax accumulation. As a result, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
- Over time, neglected hearing loss can affect your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- Earwax buildup also inhibits the functionality of your hearing aid if you use one. You might end up thinking that your hearing is going downhill because of this.
- Your ability to hear can also be interfered with if you get a serious ear infection which can also be caused by dirty ears. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will normally come back.
You never turn to using a cotton swab to attempt to dig out excess earwax. Added damage can be done by cotton swabs and they will frequently make it even harder to hear. Over the counter ear drops are a better choice.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one should almost be left off the list it’s so obvious. The issue is that most individuals aren’t entirely certain what a “loud noise” actually is. As an example, freeway driving can be loud enough to damage your hearing over a long period of time. Also, believe it or not, your lawn mower can take a toll on your ears. Obviously, it’s more than rock concerts or loud speakers that cause hearing loss.
Here are some ways to avoid damaging noise:
- Wearing hearing protection when noisy environments are unavoidable. Does your job put you on the floor of a loud manufacturing plant? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s cool. But be certain to use the appropriate protection for your ears. Contemporary earplugs and earmuffs provide ample protection.
- When volume levels get too high, an app on your phone can alert you of that.
- Refraining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. Most phones have built-in alerts when you’re approaching a dangerous level.
The damage to your hearing from loud sounds will build up slowly. So if you’ve attended a loud event, you may have done damage even if you don’t notice it. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Step #3: If You Have Any Hearing Loss – Have it Addressed
Generally speaking, hearing impairment is cumulative. So recognizing any damage early will help prevent additional injury. That’s why getting treated is extremely important in terms of decreasing hearing loss. Practical treatments (that you follow through with) will leave your hearing in the best possible shape.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by using hearing aids. Hearing aids will, for instance, let you listen to music or the TV at a lower volume, preventing damage. Hearing aids will prevent further degeneration of your hearing by preventing this damage.
- Our advice will help you learn to protect your hearing because it is customized and personalized for you.
- Hearing aids minimize the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
Decreasing Hearing Impairment Will Benefit You in The Long Run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, getting treatment for your hearing loss will help stop additional damage. In many instances, hearing aids are one of the primary ways to accomplish that. The appropriate treatment will help you preserve your present level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
Your allowing yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing into the future by using ear protection, getting the proper treatment, and practicing good hearing hygiene.