Pizza is a fascinating thing. As long as a few factors are met, you can switch toppings, cheese, and sauce, and it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. 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.
Frequently, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you need to do is attempt to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some basic measures you can take to protect your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you wash 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 worried about here, regarding hearing health, not the back of your ears.
There are a number of ways that earwax accumulation can affect your hearing:
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a substantial amount of earwax accumulates. When this takes place you won’t be able to hear as well.
- If you use a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This may make you think that your hearing is going.
- Unkempt ears raise your chances of getting an ear infection, which creates inflammation that when significant enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears up, your regular hearing will normally return (but that’s something you should talk to a doctor about).
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 make things worse or cause added harm. Over-the-counter ear drops are encouraged as an alternative.
Tip 2: Really loud noises should be averted
This is so obvious that it sort of goes without saying. The problem is that the majority of people are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. A highway, for instance, can be noisy enough that over an extended time period, it can harm your ears. The engine on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears, also. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are some ways to avoid loud, harmful noises.:
- When decibel levels become dangerously loud, you can utilize an app on your phone to alert you.
- Refraining from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to tunes. The majority of phones include built-in warnings when you’re nearing a damaging limit.
- When you need to be in a noisy setting, utilize hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy industrial floor? It’s okay if you want to attend that rock concert. But you need to use the appropriate ear protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs offer ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will progress gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine 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: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
In most cases, hearing loss develops gradually over an extended period of time. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent further damage. When it comes to hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so crucial. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and implement it.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids reduce the brain strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
- When you come in for a consultation we will provide individualized instructions and advice to help you steer clear of additional damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also stop further deterioration of your hearing.
Limit hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
Although we’re not able to cure hearing loss, we are putting in hard work to help you minimize additional damage. Treatment of hearing loss is typically one of the best 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 wear ear protection, maintain good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the correct measures to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come.