Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. But as long as you have trouble hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, blockages, or exposure to loud noise.
Limiting the damage is the first step you should take when facing hearing loss of any variety. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to safeguard your ears and limit additional hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? But it’s inside of your ears that we’re concerned with here, in terms of hearing health, not the back of your ears.
There are a number of ways that earwax buildup can affect your hearing:
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a significant amount of earwax builds up. As a result, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
- Earwax buildup also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This might make you think that your hearing is starting to fail.
- Your risk of developing an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can lead to inflammation which will interfere with your hearing. Your hearing will normally go back to normal after the infection clears.
If you observe earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most circumstances, a cotton swab will worsen the problem or cause additional harm. As an alternative, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Stay away from loud noises that could contribute to hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it practically shouldn’t be on this list. The issue is that the majority of individuals are hard-pressed to determine what a “loud noise” really is. A highway, for example, can be loud enough that over a long period of time, it can damage your ears. The engine on your lawnmower can be very straining on your ears, as well. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are a few ways to avoid loud, harmful noises.:
- When you have to be in a noisy setting, use hearing protection. Are you working on the floor of a noisy factory? It’s fine if you want to attend that rock concert. But use the required hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- Abstaining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to tunes. Most phones offer built-in warnings when you’re approaching a damaging limit.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when volumes reach hazardous thresholds.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will accumulate gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only if you come in for a hearing exam can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
In most cases, hearing loss accumulates gradually over a long period of time. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to protect against additional damage. In terms of hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so essential. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and follow through with it.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. If you’re wearing hearing aids, for example, you won’t always have to turn volumes up to damaging levels. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also stop further deterioration of your hearing.
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are worsened by social solitude and brain strain can be avoided by using hearing aids.
- We will help you stay clear of further damage to your ears by providing you with individualized instructions when you come in for an assessment.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss has no cure, hearing specialists are focused on limiting additional damage to your ears. Treatment of hearing loss is typically one of the primary approaches to that. The correct treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and stop it from worsening.
When you wear hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and get hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the proper measures to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance of healthy hearing in the future.
