Isn’t pizza cool? You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets some basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. Symptoms and presentations are caused by many different problems – loud noises, genetics, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have trouble hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you first notice hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you need to do is try to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some simple steps you can take to safeguard your ears and control further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? When it comes to hearing health, we aren’t worried about the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- Over time, neglected hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can block sound waves from reaching your inner ear. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also impede their operation. This might make it seem like your hearing is worsening.
- Your ability to hear can be impeded by inflammation which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of dirty ears. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will usually return.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added damage. You can get earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local pharmacy which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so intuitive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. But identifying what comprises “loud sound” isn’t easy for most people. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears, freeway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be compromised by things like your lawn mower engine. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be mindful to protect your hearing!
Some useful ways to steer clear of harmful noises include:
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, watch your headphone volume. When you’re listening at hazardous levels, most phones have built-in warnings.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when the volume reaches unsafe levels.
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud environment, use ear protection. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. Just use the correct hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs offer ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “feels” good after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. So in terms of hearing loss, this is the reason why getting it treated is so important. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with individualized advice and instructions.
- Brain strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-related health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will stop additional damage while preserving your present level of hearing.
In the years to come you will be giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice quality hygiene!