Isn’t pizza fascinating? You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, 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 difficulty hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, blockages, or exposure to loud noise.
Normally, when you’re facing hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is attempt to limit the damage. You can, after all, take some basic measures to limit additional damage and protect your ears.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
When you were younger, you most likely were taught that you need to clean behind your ears. But it’s your inner ears that we’re worried about here, in terms of hearing health, not the back of your ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax buildup can help your hearing in several different ways:
- Sound waves going to your ears can be impeded when a significant amount of earwax accumulates. When this takes place you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
- Your chance of getting an ear infection is increased if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can cause inflammation which will interfere with your hearing. Your hearing will usually return to normal after the infection clears.
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This may give you the impression that your hearing is going.
If you observe earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not suggested that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can cause damage and will almost always worsen the situation. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Really loud noises should be avoided
This is so evident that it sort of goes without saying. The problem is that most people are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. For example, freeway travel can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long amount of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears, as well. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are a few ways to steer clear of loud, harmful noises.:
- When decibel levels become dangerously loud, you can make use of an app on your phone to alert you.
- Abstaining from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re viewing videos or listening to tunes. The majority of phones offer built-in warnings when you’re approaching a damaging limit.
- Wearing ear protection when noisy environments are necessary. Are you working on the floor of a loud factory? It’s fine if you want to go to that rock concert. But wear the necessary hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
There’s a slow advancement to hearing loss that’s caused by loud sound. So, even if your hearing “feels” okay after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only if you come in and see us can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Address any hearing loss you might have
In most cases, hearing loss develops slowly over an extended period of time. You’ll be in a better position to protect against additional damage if you recognize your hearing loss early. That’s why treatment is tremendously important when it comes to minimizing hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and implement it.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. If you’re using hearing aids, for instance, you won’t always need to turn volumes up to harmful levels. This will prevent further noise-related damage.
- We will help you avoid further damage to your ears by supplying you with individualized instructions when you come in for an assessment.
- Hearing aids reduce the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you over the long haul
Although we can’t cure hearing loss, we are doing hard work to help you limit further damage. In many cases, hearing loss treatment is one of the main 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.
You’re taking the appropriate measures to limit hearing loss and put yourself in the best position to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, use ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.