Pizza is an interesting thing. As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. As long as you are having a hard time hearing sound, whether it’s a result of a blockage, age, loud noise, or whatever else, it’s still hearing loss.
Typically, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you need to do is attempt to limit the damage. There are, after all, some basic measures you can take to protect your ears and control further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your parents used to constantly ask “did you clean behind your ears”? But with regards to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re worried about.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can help your hearing in a few different ways:
- Untidy ears boost your chances of getting an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when severe enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will usually return.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be affected over time by neglected hearing loss.
- Sound waves will have a harder time getting into your inner ear if you have significant accumulation. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their operation. If this happens you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
You should not ever try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most situations, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could result in hearing loss
This one should be fairly obvious. The issue is that most individuals have no clue what a “loud noise” actually is. There are many hazards to your hearing in everyday life including things as common as driving on a loud highway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be damaged by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be mindful to protect your hearing!
Some useful ways to avoid damaging noises include:
- Using hearing protection when noisy situations are unavoidable. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s fine but don’t forget your ear protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- Refrain from cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to tunes. Most cellphones include built-in warnings when you’re nearing a hazardous threshold.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when decibel levels reach damaging thresholds.
So if you go to a noisy event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is often a gradual progression. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
In general, hearing loss is accumulative. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. That’s why treatment is extremely important when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible state.
Treatment works like this:
- Brain strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-related health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. With a hearing aid, you’re unlikely to turn the tv up to harmful volumes. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with personalized advice and instructions.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent it. The correct treatment will help you preserve your present level of hearing and prevent it from becoming worse.
When you wear hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the proper measures to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!