Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can switch the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it meets a few general factors, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by many different issues, loud noises, genetic factors, age, or ear obstructions, but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Normally, when you’re facing hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you need to do is attempt to limit the damage. You can, after all, take some basic steps to limit further damage and protect your ears.
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 your inner ears that we’re concerned with here, regarding hearing health, not the back of your ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax accumulation can improve your hearing in a variety of different ways:
- Your chance of getting an ear infection is increased if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can result in swelling which will obstruct your hearing. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will normally return (but that’s something you should consult a doctor about).
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make it seem as though your hearing is worsening.
- 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 diminished.
A cotton swab is definitely not the correct tool to use to get any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. Cotton swabs can cause damage and will almost always worsen the situation. Over-the-counter ear drops are encouraged instead.
Tip 2: Stay away from loud sounds that could cause hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. But what exactly constitutes a “loud sound”? For instance, freeway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. The motor 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 a few ways to steer clear of loud, harmful noises.:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when volumes get to dangerous levels.
- Abstaining from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re viewing videos or listening to music. The majority of phones offer built-in alerts when you’re nearing a dangerous threshold.
- Using ear protection when noisy settings are necessary. Do you work on the floor of a loud factory? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s cool. But you should use the appropriate ear protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs supply ample protection.
There’s a gradual advancement to hearing loss that’s due to loud sound. So don’t just assume that your hearing is okay after a loud event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in and see us can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Address any hearing loss you may have
In most instances, hearing loss develops slowly over a long time period. You’ll be in a better position to protect against further damage if you identify your hearing loss early on. 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.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will help you stay clear of additional damage to your ears by providing you with individualized instructions when you come in for an assessment.
- Hearing aids can stop 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 stop further deterioration of your hearing.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you over the long haul
Despite the fact that we can’t cure hearing loss, we are putting in hard work to help you minimize additional damage. Treatment of hearing loss is typically one of the primary approaches to that. Your current level of hearing will be maintained and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the correct treatment.
You’re taking the proper measures to minimize hearing loss and put yourself in the best situation to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, use ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing tests.