Isn’t pizza fascinating? You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. 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, blockages, or exposure to loud noise.
Frequently, when you’re facing hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is attempt to limit the damage. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to protect your hearing and minimize additional hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not concerned with the places behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
There are a number of ways that earwax accumulation can impact your hearing:
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a significant amount of earwax builds up. When this takes place you won’t be able to hear as well.
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the functionality of your hearing aid if you use one. This may make it seem as though your hearing is getting worse.
- Your chance of developing an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can result in swelling which will obstruct your hearing. Your hearing will normally go back to normal after the infection is gone.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s definitely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can lead to damage and will almost always worsen the situation. Over-the-counter ear drops are encouraged as an alternative.
Tip 2: Steer clear of loud noises that could contribute to hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. The issue is that most people are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” really is. For instance, 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. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Some useful ways to avoid harmful noises include:
- Abstaining from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. The majority of phones include built-in alerts when you’re nearing a dangerous limit.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels get to hazardous levels.
- When you have to be in a noisy environment, use hearing protection. Are you working on a loud factory floor? It’s fine if you want to attend that rock concert. But you should use the appropriate ear protection. You can get plenty of protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine 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: Address any hearing loss you may have
In most situations, hearing loss accumulates slowly over a long time period. So, the earlier you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop added damage. That’s why treatment is extremely important when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and follow through with it.
Treatment works like this:
- When you come in and see us we will give you personalized instructions and advice to help you steer clear of additional damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking the volume of your television up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also stop further deterioration of your hearing.
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are exacerbated by social solitude and brain strain can be prevented by using hearing aids.
Limit hearing loss – it will benefit you over the long haul
Even though we can’t cure hearing loss, we are putting in hard work to help you prevent further damage. Treatment of hearing loss is typically one of the primary approaches to that. Your current level of hearing will be protected and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the correct treatment.
You’re taking the proper steps to limit hearing loss and put yourself in the best situation to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, utilize ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.