Isn’t pizza great? You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets some basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. As long as you are having a hard time hearing sound, whether it’s related to an obstruction, age, loud noise, or whatever else, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is usually the first thing to do when you start to detect hearing loss. This is just one basic measure you can take to safeguard your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Remember when your parents used to constantly ask “did you clean behind your ears”? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not worried about the space behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax buildups can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also impede their functionality. If this occurs you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be affected over time by neglected hearing loss.
- Sound waves will have a harder time getting into your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- Your ability to hear can be obstructed by inflammation which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of dirty ears. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will usually return.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can push the earwax further up into the ear canal and can trigger even more harm. You can get earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could contribute to hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be pretty obvious. The challenge is that most people have no clue what a “loud noise” really is. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your hearing, highway driving can be noisy enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears also. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be cautious to safeguard your hearing!
Here are a few practical ways to eliminate noise damage:
- Wearing hearing protection when noisy environments are unavoidable. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s fine but remember your hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- Avoid cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. When you’re listening at harmful volumes, most phones have built-in alerts.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when decibel levels reach hazardous thresholds.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is usually a slow progression. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. So in terms of hearing loss, this is why having it treated is so essential. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will provide personalized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. With a hearing aid, you’re unlikely to crank up the tv to dangerous volumes. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- Mental strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-related health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss correctly will stop additional damage while protecting your current level of hearing.
In the years to come you will be giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!