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 also like this. Symptoms and presentations are a consequence of many different problems – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have difficulty detecting sounds, 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 stop the damage. There are, after all, some simple measures 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 original hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? But with regards to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re worried about.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildups can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- Your ability to hear can be hampered by inflammation which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of dirty ears. Your normal hearing will usually return when then the infection clears up.
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also impede their operation. This may make it seem as though your hearing is worsening.
- After a while, neglected hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time reaching your inner ear if you have substantial accumulation. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause added damage. You can get earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local pharmacy which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Try to avoid loud noises that could lead to hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. The challenge is that most people are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. There are many dangers to your hearing in day-to-day life including things as common as driving on a noisy highway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears also. And, be careful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some practical ways to steer clear of damaging noises include:
- Wearing hearing protection when loud environments are inescapable. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s fine but remember your ear protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when decibel levels reach damaging thresholds.
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, watch your headphone volume. Most cellphones have built-in alerts when you’re getting close to a dangerous threshold.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” good 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, get it treated
In general, hearing loss is accumulative. So you’ll be better able to prevent further damage if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is very essential when it comes to restricting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- We will give you customized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will stop additional damage while preserving your present level of hearing.
In the years to come you will be giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!