Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets some standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. As long as you are having a hard time hearing sound, whether it’s due to a blockage, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Typically, when you first notice hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you need to do is try to stop the damage. There are, after all, some easy steps you can take to protect your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Remember when your mom used to always ask “did you wash behind your ears”? But in terms of the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re interested in.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their functionality. If this occurs you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Unkempt ears boost your risk of getting an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when severe enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will usually come back.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be impacted over time by neglected hearing loss.
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can block sound waves from getting into your inner ear. Your hearing becomes jeopardized as a result.
You should not ever attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. Cotton swabs can jam the earwax further up into the ear canal and can trigger even more harm. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could result in hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be fairly obvious. The problem is that most people have no clue what a “loud noise” really is. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears, highway driving can be noisy enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears as well. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be mindful to protect your hearing!
Here are some useful ways to avoid noise damage:
- Using ear protection when loud conditions are inescapable. If you want to go to 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 enough protection from contemporary earplugs and earmuffs.
- When you’re watching movies or listening to music, watch your headphone volume. When you’re listening at dangerous levels, most phones have built-in warnings.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when the volume reaches dangerous levels.
So if you go to a noisy event and your hearing feels fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is often a slow progression. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
Hearing loss generally builds over time. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. So in terms of hearing loss, this is the reason why having it treated is so essential. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- We will give you customized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Mental strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-associated health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent it. The appropriate treatment will help you maintain your present degree of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you wear hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the best steps to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!