Pizza is an interesting thing. You can adjust the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it meets a few basic factors, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. Symptoms and presentations are caused by many different problems, loud noises, genetics, age, or ear blockages, but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you’re facing hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you need to do is attempt to limit the damage. There are, after all, some basic measures you can take to protect your hearing and limit further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
When you were a kid, you most likely learned that you need to clean behind your ears. In terms of hearing health, we’re not worried about the places behind your ears, but rather inside of your ears.
There are various ways that earwax accumulation can affect your hearing:
- When wax buildup becomes significant, it can block soundwaves from reaching your inner ear. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
- If you use a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This may give you the impression that your hearing is going.
- Unkempt ears increase your risk of getting an ear infection, which creates swelling that when significant enough, impedes your ability to hear. Your hearing will usually go back to normal after the infection is gone.
If you observe earwax buildup, it’s definitely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most circumstances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added damage. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Really loud noises should be averted
This one is so instinctive it practically shouldn’t be on this list. The issue is that most people are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. A freeway, for example, can be noisy enough that over a long time period, it can harm your ears. Your ears can also be damaged by regular use of your lawn mower. As you can see, it’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears.
Some practical ways to stay away from damaging noises include:
- Wearing ear protection when loud settings are unavoidable. Are you working on the floor of a noisy factory? It’s okay if you want to attend that rock concert. But you should use the appropriate hearing protection. You can get plenty of protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When you’re listening to tunes or watching videos, keep your headphone volume at safe levels. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in alert.
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can utilize an app on your phone to alert you.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up slowly. So don’t simply assume that your hearing is okay after a loud event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in for a hearing exam can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
Generally speaking, hearing loss is progressive. You’ll be in a better position to avoid further damage if you recognize your hearing loss early on. When it comes to hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so crucial. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing loss-related health problems that are exacerbated by social isolation and brain strain can be avoided by using hearing aids.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. If you’re wearing hearing aids, for instance, you won’t always need to turn volumes up to harmful levels. This will counter further noise-related damage.
- When you come in and see us we will provide individualized guidance and advice to help you steer clear of further damage to your ears.
Over the long haul, you will be helped by using hearing aids
While we know that hearing loss can’t be cured, hearing specialists are working hard to limit further damage to your hearing. In many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the best ways to accomplish that. Your current level of hearing will be protected and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the proper treatment.
When you wear hearing protection, maintain good hygiene, and get hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the proper steps to prevent hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come.