Pizza is an interesting thing. You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it satisfies a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. Symptoms and presentations are caused by many different problems, loud noises, genetic factors, age, or ear blockages, but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Normally, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you should do is try to limit the damage. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to safeguard your ears and limit additional hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
When you were a kid, you likely were taught that you need to clean behind your ears. In terms of hearing health, we aren’t worried about the places behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
There are various ways that earwax buildup can affect your hearing:
- Unkempt ears raise your chances of developing an ear infection, which creates inflammation that when significant enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection goes away, your regular hearing will usually come back (but that’s something you should consult a doctor about).
- When wax buildup becomes significant, it can block soundwaves from getting into your inner ear. When this occurs you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
- Earwax buildup also impedes the functionality of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s definitely not recommended that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can cause damage and will typically worsen the situation. As an alternative, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Really loud noises should be averted
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. The issue is that most individuals are hard-pressed to characterize what a “loud noise” actually is. For example, freeway driving can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long amount of time. The engine on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears, as well. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Some useful ways to stay away from harmful noises include:
- When you have to be in a loud environment, utilize hearing protection. Are you working on the floor of a loud factory? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. But you need to use the appropriate ear protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs supply sufficient protection.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when volumes reach unsafe levels.
- Refraining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. The majority of phones include built-in alerts when you’re nearing a hazardous threshold.
There’s a gradual development to hearing loss that’s caused by loud sound. So don’t just presume that your hearing is okay after a loud event, even if it feels fine. We can only help you figure out if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
In most instances, hearing loss accumulates slowly over a long period of time. You’ll be in a better position to stop additional damage if you recognize your hearing loss early. That’s why treatment is incredibly important in terms of limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and implement it.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing loss-related health problems that are worsened by social isolation and brain strain can be prevented by wearing hearing aids.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking the volume of your television up so loud it harms your ears. This will prevent further noise-related damage.
- When you come in and see us we will provide individualized guidance and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
In the long run, you will be benefited by using hearing aids
Despite the fact that we can’t cure hearing loss, we are putting in hard work to help you limit further damage. Treatment of hearing loss is typically one of the primary approaches to that. The right treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you wear hearing protection, maintain good hygiene, and get hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the correct steps to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the future.