Isn’t pizza cool? As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is similar. As long as you are having a hard time hearing sound, whether it’s related to a blockage, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Restricting the damage is normally the first step to take when you start to notice hearing loss. This is only one basic measure you can take to protect your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your mom used to constantly ask “did you clean behind your ears”? When it involves hearing health, we’re not concerned with the space behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in numerous ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Over time, neglected hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- Untidy ears boost your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will usually return when then the infection goes away.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also impede their operation. This might make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
- When wax buildup becomes substantial, it can block sound waves from getting into your inner ear. Your hearing becomes jeopardized as a result.
You should never attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. Cotton swabs can push the earwax further up into the ear canal and can cause even more harm. You can get earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could result in hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be pretty intuitive. But determining what comprises “loud sound” isn’t easy for most people. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your hearing, freeway driving can be noisy enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears as well. And, be mindful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are some practical ways to avoid noise damage:
- Wearing hearing protection when loud situations are inescapable. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s okay but don’t forget your ear protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- When decibel levels get too high, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- Avoid cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. Most cellphones have built-in warnings when you’re approaching a dangerous level.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will accumulate slowly. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only get a clean bill of health by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
Hearing loss generally accumulates over time. So, the earlier 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 essential. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social separation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
- We will give you customized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
Limit hearing loss – it will benefit 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 primary ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss correctly will prevent additional damage while maintaining your present level of hearing.
When you use hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the best measures to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!