Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets some basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. As long as you are having difficulty hearing sound, whether it’s a result of an obstruction, age, loud noise, or whatever else, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is usually the first step to take when you start to detect hearing loss. This is just one basic step you can take to safeguard your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your mom used to always ask “did you clean 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.
Your hearing can be helped in a number of ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Your ability to hear can be impeded by inflammation which is caused by profound ear infection as a result of unclean ears. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will typically come back.
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. If this occurs you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- When wax buildup becomes significant, it can stop sound waves from getting into your inner ear. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be affected over time by neglected hearing loss.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most situations, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added damage. You can buy earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could lead to hearing loss
This one should be pretty obvious. The problem is that most people are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. There are lots of dangers to your hearing in everyday life and that includes things as common as driving on a noisy highway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be very straining on your ears as well. And, be careful to safeguard your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some useful ways to steer clear of damaging noises include:
- When you’re watching movies or listening to music, keep the headphone volume down. Most cellphones have built-in warnings when you’re getting close to a hazardous threshold.
- When volume levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- Wearing ear protection when loud situations are inescapable. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s fine. Just wear the necessary ear protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
Hearing loss generally accumulates over time. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is why having it treated is so crucial. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible state.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
- We will provide customized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. The correct treatment will help you maintain your current degree of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
In the years to come you will be providing yourself with the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice quality hygiene!