Isn’t pizza interesting? 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. But as long as you have a hard time hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, blockages, or exposure to loud noise.
Usually, when you’re facing hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you need to do is try to limit the damage. You can, after all, take some simple measures to limit additional damage and safeguard your ears.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those childhood hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? But it’s your inner ears that we’re concerned with here, when it comes to hearing health, not behind your ears.
There are a number of ways that earwax buildup can impact your hearing:
- Unclean ears raise your chances of getting an ear infection, which causes swelling that when severe enough, disrupts your ability to hear. Your hearing will usually go back to normal when the infection clears.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a substantial amount of earwax accumulates. When this happens you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the functionality of your hearing aid if you use one. This might make you think that your hearing is going.
A cotton swab is absolutely not the best tool to use to clear any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. In most circumstances, a cotton swab will worsen the problem or cause additional damage. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended as an alternative.
Tip 2: Steer clear of loud sounds that could contribute to hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it practically shouldn’t be on the list. The problem is that the majority of individuals are hard-pressed to determine what a “loud noise” really is. A highway, for example, can be noisy enough that over an extended period of time, it can damage your ears. The motor on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears, also. As you can see, it’s not only blasting speakers or raucous rock concerts that harm your ears.
Here are a few ways to avoid loud, harmful noises.:
- Abstaining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to tunes. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in warning.
- When you need to be in a noisy environment, use hearing protection. Are you working on a loud factory floor? It’s fine if you want to attend that rock concert. Just use the required ear protection. You can get adequate protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can utilize an app on your phone to alert you.
There’s a gradual advancement to hearing loss that’s caused by loud sound. So don’t simply assume that your hearing is okay after a noisy event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in and see us can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, deal with it
In most cases, hearing loss accumulates slowly over an extended time period. You’ll be in a better position to stop additional damage if you identify your hearing loss early. That’s why treatment is extremely important in terms of limiting hearing loss. Practical treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are worsened by social isolation and brain strain can be avoided by wearing hearing aids.
- When you come in for a consultation we will provide personalized guidance and advice to help you steer clear of further damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will stop you from turning the volume of your television up so loud it becomes harmful. This will counter further noise-related damage.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
Even though we’re not able to cure hearing loss, we are doing hard work to help you prevent additional 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.
When you use ear protection, practice good hygiene, and get hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the correct steps to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come.