Pizza is an interesting thing. You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets a few standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. As long as you are having difficulty hearing sound, whether it’s a result of a blockage, age, loud noise, or whatever else, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you should do is try to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to safeguard your ears and control further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? When it involves hearing health, we aren’t concerned with the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax accumulation can help your hearing in numerous different ways:
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be impacted over time by neglected hearing loss.
- When wax accumulation becomes significant, it can block sound waves from reaching your inner ear. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- Unkempt ears increase your risk of getting an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when significant enough, interferes with your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will usually come back.
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the functioning of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make it seem as though your hearing is worsening.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can push the earwax further up into the ear canal and can cause even more harm. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could result in hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so instinctive it almost doesn’t need to be on this list. The challenge is that most individuals have no clue what a “loud noise” actually is. There are lots of hazards to your hearing in everyday life including things as common as driving on a loud freeway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears also. And, be mindful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some useful ways to avoid harmful noises include:
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, keep the headphone volume down. Most cellphones have built-in alerts when you’re getting close to a harmful threshold.
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud environment, use ear protection. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s fine. Just use the correct hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs give ample protection.
- When volume levels get too high, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is often a slow progression. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
Hearing loss typically accumulates over time. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. That’s why treatment is very essential when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will provide customized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss properly will prevent additional damage while maintaining your present level of hearing.
When you use hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the best measures to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!
