Isn’t pizza cool? As long as it meets a few standard criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. As long as you are having difficulty hearing sound, whether it’s caused by a blockage, age, loud noise, or whatever else, it’s still hearing loss.
Stopping the damage is normally the first thing to do when you start to detect hearing loss. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to protect your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your mom used to constantly ask “did you clean behind your ears”? When it comes to hearing health, we aren’t worried about the areas behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in several ways by keeping your ears free of earwax:
- Over time, neglected hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- Your ability to hear can be hampered by inflammation which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of unclean ears. Your normal hearing will typically come back when then the infection goes away.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also impede their functionality. This might make it seem as though your hearing is worsening.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time reaching your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
You should not ever try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. Cotton swabs can push the earwax further up into the ear canal and can trigger even more damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could lead to hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. But determining what comprises “loud sound” is not very easy for most individuals. There are lots of hazards to your hearing in day-to-day life including things as common as driving on a noisy highway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears as well. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be cautious to safeguard your ears!
Some useful ways to steer clear of damaging noises include:
- Refrain from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to tunes. When you’re listening at dangerous volumes, most phones have built-in alerts.
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud environment, wear hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s fine. Just use the necessary ear protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when decibel levels reach hazardous thresholds.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will accumulate gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only get a clean bill of health by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
Hearing loss typically accumulates over time. So you’ll be in a better position to avoid further damage if you catch it early. So in terms of hearing loss, this is the reason why having it treated is so crucial. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible state.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- Mental strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-related health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
- We will provide personalized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will stop additional damage while maintaining your present degree 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 good hygiene!