Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can adjust the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s a lot like hearing loss. But as long as you have a hard time hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss whether it’s caused by genetic factors, age, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Frequently, when you’re facing hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you need to do is attempt to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to safeguard your hearing and minimize additional hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
When you were younger, you most likely were taught that you need to clean behind your ears. When it comes to hearing health, we aren’t concerned with the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can improve your hearing in a variety of different ways:
- Your risk of getting an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can cause inflammation which will obstruct your hearing. Your hearing will normally go back to normal when the infection clears.
- Earwax buildup also impedes the functionality of your hearing aid if you use one. This could make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
- When wax buildup becomes substantial, it can block soundwaves from reaching your inner ear. As a result, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not suggested that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can lead to damage and will usually make the problem worse. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended as an alternative.
Tip 2: Very loud noises should be avoided
This is so evident that it sort of goes without saying. But what precisely comprises a “loud sound”? For instance, highway travel can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long amount of time. Your ears can also be damaged by frequent use of your lawn mower. As you can tell, it isn’t only blasting speakers or raucous rock concerts that harm 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 reach hazardous thresholds.
- Wearing hearing protection when noisy settings are unavoidable. Do you work on a loud industrial floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s awesome. But you need to use the correct ear protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- Refraining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re viewing videos or listening to tunes. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in warning.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will progress slowly. So don’t just assume that your hearing is fine after a noisy 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. You’ll be in a better position to prevent additional damage if you recognize your hearing loss early on. In terms of hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so crucial. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible situation.
Treatment works like this:
- When you come in for a consultation we will give you personalized instructions and advice to help you steer clear of additional damage to your ears.
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are worsened by social isolation and brain strain can be prevented by using hearing aids.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by wearing hearing aids. If you’re wearing hearing aids, for instance, you won’t always have to turn volumes up to harmful levels. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you over the long haul
Even though we can’t cure hearing loss, we are putting in hard work to help you limit further damage. In many cases, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary 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 appropriate steps to prevent hearing loss and put yourself in the best position to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, use ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing tests.