Pizza is an interesting thing. You can switch the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few general factors, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. 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, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Usually, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter 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 safeguard your hearing and limit additional hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you wash 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 aren’t concerned with the places behind your ears, but rather inside of your ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax accumulation can help your hearing in several different ways:
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can block soundwaves from getting into your inner ear. Consequently, your ability to hear becomes decreased.
- Your chance of developing an ear infection is increased if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can result in inflammation which will interfere with your hearing. Your hearing will normally return to normal after the infection clears.
- Earwax buildup also impedes the functionality of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make it seem as though your hearing is getting worse.
A cotton swab is absolutely not the correct tool to use to get any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added harm. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended instead.
Tip 2: Really loud sounds should be averted
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. The issue is that the majority of individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” really is. For example, highway travel can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be very straining on your ears, as well. As you can see, it isn’t just blasting speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears.
Some useful ways to stay away from damaging noises include:
- Refraining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re viewing videos or listening to music. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in alert.
- When you need to be in a loud setting, use hearing protection. Are you working on the floor of a loud factory? It’s fine if you want to attend that rock concert. Just wear the necessary ear protection. You can get enough protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When decibel levels become dangerously loud, you can utilize an app on your phone to alert you.
There’s a slow progression to hearing loss that’s caused by loud sound. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. We can only help you figure out if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, deal with it
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. You’ll be in a better position to avoid additional damage if you recognize your hearing loss early on. In terms of hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so significant. Your hearing will be in the best position if you get treatment and implement it.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids reduce the brain strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health conditions.
- We will help you stay clear of further damage to your ears by providing you with individualized instructions when you come in for an assessment.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by using hearing aids. If you’re wearing hearing aids, for example, you won’t always have to turn volumes up to damaging levels. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
Even though we can’t cure hearing loss, we are putting in hard work to help you limit further damage. Treatment of hearing loss is typically one of the primary approaches to that. Your current level of hearing will be maintained and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the proper treatment.
You’re taking the proper measures to prevent 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.
