Pizza is an interesting thing. As long as a few factors are met, you can adjust toppings, cheese, and sauce, and it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. Symptoms and presentations are caused by many different problems, loud noises, genetic factors, age, or ear blockages, but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you’re facing hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you need to do is try to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to protect your hearing and limit additional 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 areas behind your ears, but rather inside of your ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax buildup can improve your hearing in a number of different ways:
- Your chance of getting an ear infection is increased if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can result in inflammation which will impede your hearing. When your ear infection clears up, your regular hearing will usually come back (but that’s something you should consult a doctor about).
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the functionality of your hearing aid if you use one. This may make it seem as if your hearing is worsening.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a significant amount of earwax accumulates. When this takes place you won’t be able to hear as well.
If you observe earwax accumulation, it’s definitely not recommended that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. In most situations, a cotton swab will worsen the problem or cause additional harm. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Really loud sounds should be avoided
This is so obvious that it sort of goes without saying. The issue is that the majority of individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. A freeway, for example, can be loud enough that over an extended period of time, it can damage your ears. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears, also. As you can tell, it’s not only blaring speakers or raucous rock concerts that harm your ears.
Some practical ways to prevent damaging noises include:
- When you have to be in a noisy setting, use hearing protection. Do you work on the floor of a loud factory? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s awesome. But use the required hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs offer sufficient protection.
- When you’re listening to tunes or watching videos, keep the volume of your headphones at safe levels. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in alert.
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate slowly. So don’t just assume that your hearing is fine 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: Manage any hearing loss you may have
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the earlier you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent further damage. When it comes to hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so significant. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and implement it.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will help you avoid additional damage to your ears by providing you with personalized instructions when you come in for a consultation.
- Hearing loss-related health problems that are exacerbated by social solitude and brain strain can be avoided by wearing hearing aids.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. If you’re using hearing aids, for example, you won’t always have to turn volumes up to damaging levels. This will counter further noise-related damage.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss has no cure, hearing specialists are working hard to limit additional harm to your hearing. In many cases, hearing loss treatment is one of the best ways to accomplish that. Your current level of hearing will be preserved and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the proper treatment.
You’re taking the proper measures to prevent hearing loss and put yourself in the best position to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, utilize ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.