Pizza is an interesting thing. As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. As long as you are having a hard time hearing sound, whether it’s due to a blockage, age, loud noise, or whatever else, it’s still hearing loss.
Normally, when you first notice hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you need to do is attempt to limit the damage. There are, after all, some easy steps you can take to safeguard your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? But when it comes to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re concerned with.
Keeping your ears free of wax buildups can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- Over time, untreated 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, impedes your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will usually come back when then the infection clears up.
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their operation. If this happens you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can stop sound waves from reaching your inner ear. As a result, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could result in hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost doesn’t need to be on this list. The challenge is that most people have no clue what a “loud noise” actually is. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your hearing, highway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears too. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be mindful to safeguard your ears!
Here are some useful ways to eliminate noise damage:
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud setting, use hearing protection. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s okay but remember your ear protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- When decibel levels get too high, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, keep the headphone volume down. Most cellphones have built-in warnings when you’re nearing a hazardous threshold.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is usually a gradual progression. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get 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 in terms of hearing loss, this is the reason why having it treated is so essential. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Brain strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-related health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. With a hearing aid, you’re unlikely to turn the tv up to damaging volumes. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
- We will give you individualized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
Treatment is one of the main ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there’s no cure. Treating your hearing loss correctly will prevent additional damage while preserving your current degree of hearing.
When you wear hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the best measures to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!