Pizza is a fascinating thing. As long as a few factors are met, you can switch toppings, cheese, and sauce, and it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. But as long as you have difficulty hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, blockages, or exposure to loud noise.
Usually, when you’re facing hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is try to minimize the damage. You can, after all, take some simple steps to limit further damage and protect your ears.
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? But it’s inside of your ears that we’re concerned with here, when it comes to hearing health, not behind your ears.
There are various ways that earwax buildup can impact your hearing:
- Sound waves going to your ears can be impeded when a significant amount of earwax accumulates. When this takes place you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
- Your risk of getting an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can cause swelling which will obstruct your hearing. Your hearing will usually return to normal after the infection clears.
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also impact that. This may make it seem as though your hearing is getting worse.
A cotton swab is definitely not the best tool to use to clear any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. In most situations, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional harm. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended as an alternative.
Tip 2: Stay away from loud noises that could contribute to hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it practically shouldn’t be on the list. But what precisely comprises a “loud sound”? For instance, freeway travel can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. Your ears can also be harmed by regular usage of your lawn mower. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are a few ways to avoid loud, damaging noises.:
- When you’re listening to music or viewing videos, keep your headphone volume at safe levels. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in alert.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when decibel levels reach hazardous levels.
- Using hearing protection when noisy settings are unavoidable. Are you working on the floor of a noisy factory? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s awesome. But wear the necessary hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs offer adequate protection.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will progress gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” okay after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. We can only help you figure out if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: Manage any hearing loss you may have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is progressive. So, the sooner you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to avoid added damage. In terms of hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so essential. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and follow through with it.
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 aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health conditions.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by wearing hearing aids. If you’re using hearing aids, for instance, you won’t always have to turn volumes up to harmful levels. This will counter further noise-related damage.
Limit hearing loss – it will benefit you over the long haul
Despite the fact that we can’t cure hearing loss, we are doing hard work to help you prevent additional damage. Treatment of hearing loss is usually one of the best approaches to that. Your current level of hearing will be protected and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the correct treatment.
When you use ear protection, maintain good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the proper steps to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the future.