Pizza is an interesting thing. You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. As long as you are having trouble hearing sound, whether it’s a result of an obstruction, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you first notice hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you need to do is attempt to stop the damage. This is only one simple step you can take to safeguard your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? But in terms of the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re concerned with.
Your hearing can be helped in numerous ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Earwax accumulation also disrupts the functioning of your hearing aid if you use one. If this happens you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Sound waves will have a harder time getting into your inner ear if you have significant accumulation. As a result, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
- Your ability to hear can be hampered by swelling which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of dirty ears. Your functional hearing will typically return when then the infection clears up.
- Over time, untreated hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not suggested 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. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could contribute to hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so intuitive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. The issue is that most people have no clue what a “loud noise” really is. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears, highway driving can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears as well. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be careful to protect your hearing!
Here are some practical ways to avoid noise damage:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach damaging thresholds.
- Using ear protection when noisy conditions are not avoidable. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s fine but remember your ear protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- When you’re watching movies or listening to tunes, watch your headphone volume. When you’re listening at hazardous levels, most phones have built-in alerts.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing feels fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is usually a gradual progression. Only a hearing specialist can let you know if you have hearing loss.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. So you’ll be in a better position to prevent further harm if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is extremely important when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Treatment works like this:
- 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 prevent this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- Brain strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-associated health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with personalized advice and instructions.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
Treatment is one of the main ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there’s no cure. The appropriate treatment will help you maintain your present degree of hearing and prevent it from becoming worse.
In the years to come you will be providing yourself with the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!
