Minimize Hearing Loss With These Three Easy Steps

Woman with hearing loss touching her ear and thinking about preventing further loss.

Normally, when you’re first notice hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is attempt to minimize the damage. After all, you can take some simple measures to prevent additional damage and safeguard your ears.

Step 1: Keep Your Ears Clean

Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those first hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? In terms of hearing health, though, we’re not concerned with the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.

There are numerous ways that keeping your ears clear of wax can help your hearing:

  • If you have a hearing aid, earwax accumulation can hinder its function also. You might end up feeling like your hearing is going downhill because of this.
  • Your hearing can also be interfered with if you get a serious ear infection which can also be a result of unclean ears. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will usually return.
  • In the long run, untreated hearing loss can impact your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
  • When wax buildup becomes substantial, it can block sound from reaching your inner ear. Consequently, your hearing becomes weakened.

You never resort to the use of a cotton swab to try and dig out excess earwax. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. Over the counter ear drops are a smarter choice.

Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises

This one is so obvious it almost shouldn’t be listed. The problem is that most people are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. Over a long period of time, for example, your hearing can be damaged by driving on a busy highway. Also, believe it or not, your lawn mower can take a toll on your ears. As you can see, it isn’t just blasting speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears.

Some useful ways to stay away from damaging noises include:

  • Wearing hearing protection when noisy environments are unavoidable. Does your job put you on the floor of a noisy manufacturing plant? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s great. Just wear the required ear protection. A perfect illustration would be earplugs or earmuffs.
  • Utilizing an app on your phone to notify you when volume levels reach hazardous thresholds.
  • Refraining from cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. Most phones feature built-in alerts when you’re nearing a dangerous level.

The damage to your hearing from loud noises will build up gradually. So if you’ve been to a loud event, you could have done damage even if you don’t realize it. Only a hearing specialist can give your hearing a clean bill of health.

Step #3: If You Have Any Hearing Loss – Have it Treated

Hearing impairment accumulates generally speaking. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent additional damage. So when it comes to slowing down hearing loss, treatment is so essential. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will keep your hearing in the best possible shape.

Here’s how treatments work:

  • Some, but not all damage can be prevented by wearing hearing aids. Hearing aids will, for instance, let you listen to music or the TV at a lower volume, avoiding damage. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
  • Hearing aids stop the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
  • Our advice will help you learn to protect your hearing because it is customized and personalized for you.

Decreasing Hearing Impairment Will Benefit You in The Long Run

Even though it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, getting treatment for your hearing loss will help prevent further damage. In many situations, hearing aids are one of the principal ways to accomplish that. Getting the proper treatment will not only prevent further damage but also keep your current hearing level intact.

Your allowing yourself the best possibility for healthy hearing into the future by using ear protection, getting the proper treatment, and practicing good hearing hygiene.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.