Pizza is a fascinating thing. As long as it meets a few standard criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is also like this. As long as you are having a hard time hearing sound, whether it’s caused by a blockage, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you first notice hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is try to minimize the damage. This is just one simple step you can take to protect your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Remember when your parents used to constantly ask “did you wash behind your ears”? But with regards to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re concerned with.
Your hearing can be helped in numerous ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- When wax accumulation becomes significant, it can block sound waves from reaching your inner ear. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- Your ability to hear can be impeded by swelling which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of unclean ears. Your normal hearing will typically return when then the infection clears.
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This might make it seem like your hearing is getting worse.
- After a while, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
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 cause even more harm. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be pretty intuitive. But defining what constitutes “loud sound” is not easy for most individuals. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears, freeway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be compromised by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And, be careful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some practical ways to steer clear of harmful noises include:
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud setting, use hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. Just use the necessary hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs give ample protection.
- Avoid cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to tunes. Most cellphones have built-in warnings when you’re nearing a dangerous level.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when the volume reaches damaging levels.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will build up slowly. So, even if your hearing “seems” fine after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is accumulative. So you’ll be better able to prevent further damage if you catch it early. 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 state.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with customized advice and instructions.
- Brain strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-related health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
- 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. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many situations, 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 becoming worse.
When you wear hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the proper measures to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come!