Pizza is an interesting thing. You can adjust the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it satisfies a few basic factors, it’s still a pizza. That’s a lot like hearing loss. But as long as you have trouble hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s caused by genetic factors, age, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Normally, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you should do is try to limit the damage. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to protect your ears and limit added hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those childhood hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not worried about the parts behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildup can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- Your risk of developing an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can lead to inflammation which will obstruct your hearing. Your hearing will usually go back to normal after the infection clears.
- When wax buildup becomes substantial, it can stop soundwaves from getting into your inner ear. Consequently, your ability to hear becomes decreased.
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. This might give you the impression that your hearing is going.
If you find earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. In most circumstances, a cotton swab will worsen the problem or cause additional damage. As an alternative, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Very loud sounds should be averted
This one is so intuitive it practically shouldn’t be on this list. But what precisely comprises a “loud sound”? A highway, for instance, can be loud enough that over a long period of time, it can damage your ears. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears, as well. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Some useful ways to avoid harmful noises include:
- When you need to be in a loud setting, utilize hearing protection. Do you work on a loud industrial floor? It’s fine if you want to go to that rock concert. But you need to use the correct hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs offer adequate protection.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when volumes reach unsafe levels.
- When you’re listening to tunes or watching videos, keep your headphone volume at safe levels. The majority of phones offer built-in alerts when you’re nearing a hazardous threshold.
There’s a gradual advancement to hearing loss that’s due to loud sound. So, even if your hearing “feels” okay 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: Manage any hearing loss you might have
In most situations, hearing loss develops gradually over an extended time period. You’ll be in a better position to stop additional damage if you identify your hearing loss early. That’s why treatment is extremely important when it comes to minimizing hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible situation.
Treatment works like this:
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by using hearing aids. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from turning the volume of your television up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also stop further deterioration of your hearing.
- When you come in for a consultation we will give you personalized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you over the long haul
While it’s true that hearing loss has no cure, hearing specialists are working hard to limit further harm to your ears. In many cases, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to achieve that. The correct treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you wear ear protection, maintain good hygiene, and get hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the correct steps to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance of healthy hearing in the years to come.
