Isn’t pizza cool? You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets some standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. Symptoms and presentations are caused by many different issues – loud noises, genetics, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have difficulty detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Restricting the damage is usually the first step to take when you start to detect hearing loss. This is only one simple step you can take to safeguard your hearing from further damage.
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 when it comes to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re interested in.
Your hearing can be benefited in several ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- After a while, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- When wax accumulation becomes significant, it can stop sound waves from reaching your inner ear. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- Earwax accumulation also disrupts the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. If this occurs you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Your ability to hear can be obstructed by swelling which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of dirty ears. Your normal hearing will typically come back when then the infection clears up.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. You can buy 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 is so instinctive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. The issue is that most individuals have no clue what a “loud noise” actually is. There are lots of dangers to your hearing in day-to-day life including things as common as driving on a loud freeway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be damaged by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And, be mindful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some practical ways to steer clear of damaging noises include:
- When you’re watching movies or listening to music, keep the headphone volume down. When you’re listening at dangerous volumes, most phones have built-in warnings.
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud setting, use hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s fine. Just wear the correct hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when the volume reaches dangerous thresholds.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
Hearing loss typically accumulates over time. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent further damage. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is the reason why getting it treated is so significant. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Mental strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-related health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with individualized advice and instructions.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent it. The appropriate treatment will help you maintain your present level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you use hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the best measures to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!
