Isn’t pizza great? As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. As long as you are having a hard time 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 notice hearing loss. This is just one simple measure you can take to safeguard your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? But when it comes to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re concerned with.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can help your hearing in numerous different ways:
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the functioning of your hearing aid if you have one. If this happens you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be affected over time by neglected hearing loss.
- When wax buildup becomes significant, it can stop sound waves from getting into your inner ear. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- Your ability to hear can be hampered by swelling which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of dirty ears. Your functional hearing will typically come back when then the infection goes away.
You should not ever try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. But determining what constitutes “loud sound” isn’t easy for most people. There are lots of hazards to your hearing in day-to-day life and that includes things as common as driving on a loud freeway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be compromised by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And, be careful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are some useful ways to eliminate noise damage:
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when the volume reaches hazardous thresholds.
- Refrain from cranking the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to tunes. When you’re listening at hazardous levels, most phones have built-in alerts.
- Wearing ear protection when loud conditions are unavoidable. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. Just wear the necessary ear protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs offer ample protection.
So if you go to a noisy event and your hearing feels fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is often a gradual progression. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is accumulative. So you’ll be in a better position to avoid further harm if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is incredibly important when it comes to controlling hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible state.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with individualized advice and guidelines.
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social separation that worsen hearing loss-related health issues.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. With a hearing aid, you’re unlikely to turn up the tv to damaging volumes. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss properly will prevent further damage while maintaining your present level of hearing.
In the years to come you will be giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!