Isn’t pizza great? As long as it meets a few basic criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. As long as you are having trouble hearing sound, whether it’s a result of a blockage, age, loud noise, or whatever else, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you need to do is attempt to stop the damage. There are, after all, some basic measures you can take to protect your ears and control further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene instructions 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 concerned with.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildups can help your hearing in a few different ways:
- Earwax buildup also disrupts the functioning of your hearing aid if you use one. If this occurs you might think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Over time, untreated hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- Sound waves will have a harder time reaching your inner ear if you have significant accumulation. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- Untidy ears increase your chances of getting an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will typically come back when then the infection goes away.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested 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 lead to hearing loss
This one should be pretty obvious. But determining what comprises “loud sound” isn’t easy for most individuals. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears, freeway driving can be noisy enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be compromised by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be cautious to protect your ears!
Here are some useful ways to avoid noise damage:
- When you’re watching movies or listening to tunes, watch your headphone volume. Most cellphones feature built-in alerts when you’re getting close to a hazardous level.
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud setting, use hearing protection. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s okay but don’t forget your hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach damaging levels.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” good after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can let you know if you have hearing loss.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
In general, hearing loss is accumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent further damage. That’s why treatment is very important when it comes to controlling hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Treatment works like this:
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with customized advice and instructions.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- Brain strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-related health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many situations, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. The appropriate treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
In the years to come you will be giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice quality hygiene!