Normally, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is attempt to limit the damage. There are, after all, some simple steps you can take to protect your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Step 1: Clean Your Ears
Remember learning to be certain you clean behind your ears when you learned general hygiene (or at least should have learned). With regards to hearing health, however, we aren’t worried about the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
There are several ways that keeping your ears free from wax can assist your hearing:
- If you use a hearing aid, earwax buildup can hinder its function as well. You might end up feeling like your hearing is going downhill because of this.
- Your hearing can also be impeded if you get a serious ear infection which can also be caused by dirty ears. Your hearing will go back to normal after the ear infection clears.
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can block sound from getting into your inner ear. This diminishes your ability to hear.
- In the long run, untreated hearing loss can affect your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
You never resort to the use of a cotton swab to try and dig out built up earwax. Added damage can be caused by cotton swabs and they will frequently worsen your ability to hear. Over the counter ear drops are a better opinion.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one should almost be left off the list it’s so intuitive. But identifying how loud is too loud is the real issue for most people. Over a long period of time, for instance, your ears can be damaged by driving on a busy highway. Your lawnmower motor can be rather taxing on your ears, also. Obviously, it’s more than rock concerts or high volume speakers that cause hearing impairment.
Some practical ways to avoid harmful noises include:
- Utilizing an app on your phone to alert you when volume levels reach unsafe levels.
- Staying away from cranking the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. Most phones include built-in warnings when you’re nearing a dangerous level.
- Using hearing protection when noisy environments are unavoidable. Does your job put you on the floor of a noisy manufacturing plant? Going to see a rock concert? That’s cool. But be certain to wear the correct protection for your hearing. Modern earmuffs and earplugs supply abundant protection.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up slowly. So if you’ve been to a loud event, you might have done damage even if you don’t notice it. You can only get a clean bill of health for your ears by a hearing specialist.
Step #3: Treat Any Hearing Impairment You May Have
Hearing impairment accumulates most of the time. So, the earlier you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be capable of preventing further damage. That’s why getting treated is extremely important when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Practical treatments (that you follow through with) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s what you can expect:
- The potential of developing hearing loss related health problems is reduced by using hearing aids because they minimize social solitude and brain strain.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also stop further degeneration of your hearing.
- Our guidance will help you learn to protect your hearing because it is customized and personalized for you.
You Will be Benefited in The Future by Decreasing Hearing Loss
Even though we don’t have a cure for hearing loss, additional damage can be prevented with treatment. In many instances, hearing aids are one of the main ways to accomplish that. Getting the proper treatment will not only stop further damage but also keep your current hearing level in tact.
Your allowing yourself the best chance for healthy hearing into the future by using ear protection, getting the proper treatment, and practicing good hearing hygiene.