Isn’t pizza cool? You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. As long as you are having a hard time hearing sound, whether it’s a result of an obstruction, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Restricting the damage is normally the first thing to do when you begin to notice hearing loss. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to safeguard your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your parents used to constantly ask “did you wash behind your ears”? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not concerned with the areas behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Your hearing can be helped in numerous ways by keeping your ears free of earwax:
- Untidy ears boost your risk of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when significant enough, impedes your ability to hear. Your normal hearing will typically come back when then the infection goes away.
- Over time, neglected hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. If this occurs you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Sound waves will have a harder time reaching your inner ear if you have substantial buildup. Your hearing becomes jeopardized as a result.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most situations, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. But determining what comprises “loud sound” isn’t easy for most individuals. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears, freeway driving can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears as well. And, be careful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are a few useful ways to eliminate noise damage:
- When volume levels get too high, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- Refrain from cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to music. Most cellphones have built-in alerts when you’re approaching a hazardous level.
- Wearing ear protection when loud environments are unavoidable. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s fine. Just wear the necessary hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs give ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up slowly. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can let you know if you have hearing loss.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is why getting it treated is so essential. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
- We will provide individualized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
In the long run you will be benefited by using hearing aids
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. The appropriate treatment will help you preserve your present level of hearing and prevent it from becoming worse.
When you wear hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the proper measures to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!