Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can adjust the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few basic factors, it’s still a pizza. That’s a lot like hearing loss. But as long as you have a hard time hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss whether it’s caused by genetic factors, age, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Normally, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you need to do is attempt to minimize the damage. You can, after all, take some simple steps to limit further damage and safeguard your ears.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
When you were a kid, you probably learned that you need to clean behind your ears. In terms of hearing health, we aren’t concerned with the places behind your ears, but rather inside of your ears.
There are various ways that earwax buildup can impact your hearing:
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
- Your risk of getting an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can cause inflammation which will impede your hearing. When your ear infection clears, your regular hearing will usually return (but that’s something you should consult a doctor about).
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a substantial amount of earwax builds up. When this happens you won’t be able to hear as well.
If you find earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most circumstances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added harm. As an alternative, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Steer clear of loud sounds that could result in hearing loss
This is so evident that it kind of goes without saying. The issue is that the majority of individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” really is. A highway, for example, can be noisy enough that over a long period of time, it can damage your ears. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears, as well. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Some practical ways to avoid damaging noises include:
- When you have to be in a loud setting, utilize hearing protection. Do you work on the floor of a loud factory? It’s fine if you want to go to that rock concert. But you need to use the appropriate ear protection. You can get plenty of protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can utilize an app on your phone to alert you.
- When you’re listening to tunes or watching videos, keep your headphone volume at safe levels. Most phones offer built-in alerts when you’re approaching a damaging threshold.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. 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, get it treated
In most situations, hearing loss accumulates gradually over an extended period of time. You’ll be in a better position to prevent additional damage if you recognize your hearing loss early. That’s why treatment is extremely important when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best position if you get treatment and implement it.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are worsened by social isolation and brain strain can be prevented by using hearing aids.
- We will help you stay clear of additional damage to your ears by supplying you with individualized guidance when you come in for a consultation.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by wearing hearing aids. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it becomes harmful. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
Over the long haul, you will be benefited by using hearing aids
Although we’re not able to cure hearing loss, we are doing hard work to help you minimize further damage. In many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to achieve that. Your current level of hearing will be maintained and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the proper treatment.
You’re taking the correct steps to prevent 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 exams.