Pizza is an interesting thing. You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it satisfies a few general criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s a lot like hearing loss. Symptoms and presentations are caused by numerous different issues, loud noises, genetic factors, age, or ear obstructions, but as long as you have a hard time hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you’re confronted with 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 simple steps to limit additional damage and protect your ears.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
When you were a kid, you probably were taught that you need to clean behind your ears. But it’s inside of your ears that we’re worried about here, when it comes to hearing health, not the back of your ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can improve your hearing in a number of different ways:
- Sound waves going to your ears can be impeded when a significant amount of earwax builds up. When this happens you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
- Your chance of developing an ear infection is increased if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can lead to inflammation which will interfere with your hearing. Your hearing will usually go back to normal when the infection is gone.
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also impact that. This could make it seem as though your hearing is getting worse.
If you observe earwax accumulation, it’s definitely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can lead to damage and will usually worsen the situation. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could cause hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it practically shouldn’t be on this list. The problem is that the majority of people are hard-pressed to characterize what a “loud noise” really is. A highway, for instance, can be noisy enough that over a long time period, it can harm your ears. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears, as well. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are some ways to steer clear of loud, damaging noises.:
- When you have to be in a loud environment, utilize hearing protection. Are you working on a noisy factory floor? It’s okay if you want to attend that rock concert. But wear the required hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs provide sufficient protection.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when decibel levels reach dangerous levels.
- When you’re listening to tunes or viewing videos, keep your headphone volume at safe levels. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in alert.
There’s a slow development to hearing loss that’s caused by loud sound. So don’t simply presume that your hearing is okay 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: If you have any hearing loss, deal with it
In most situations, hearing loss develops slowly over an extended period of time. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to avoid added damage. When it comes to hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so crucial. Practical treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible situation.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Some, but not all damage can be stopped by using hearing aids. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking your television volume up so loud it becomes harmful. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also stop further impairment of your hearing.
- We will help you avoid further damage to your ears by supplying you with personalized instructions when you come in for an assessment.
- Hearing aids reduce the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health conditions.
Over the long haul, you will be benefited by using hearing aids
While we know that hearing loss has no cure, hearing specialists are focused on limiting further damage to your hearing. In many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the best ways to accomplish that. Your current level of hearing will be protected and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the correct treatment.
You’re taking the appropriate steps to limit 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 tests.