Isn’t pizza great? As long as it meets a few standard criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. Hearing loss is similar. Symptoms and presentations are due to many different problems – loud noises, genetics, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have trouble hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is normally the first step to take when you begin to detect hearing loss. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to protect your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Remember when your mom used to constantly ask “did you clean behind your ears”? But with regards to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re concerned with.
Your hearing can be benefited in a number of ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the functioning of your hearing aid if you use one. If this happens you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Unkempt ears increase your chances of getting an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when significant enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your normal hearing will typically come back when then the infection clears up.
- Sound waves will have a harder time getting into your inner ear if you have substantial buildup. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
- After a while, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
You should never attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added damage. You can get earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could cause hearing loss
This one should be pretty intuitive. But identifying what constitutes “loud sound” isn’t very easy for most individuals. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears, highway driving can be noisy enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears as well. And when you’re out remembering the 4th of July, be careful to protect your hearing!
Some practical ways to avoid damaging noises include:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach damaging levels.
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to tunes, watch your headphone volume. Most cellphones have built-in warnings when you’re getting close to a hazardous level.
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud setting, wear ear protection. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a loud factory that’s fine but remember your ear protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” good after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent further damage. That’s why treatment is extremely important when it comes to controlling hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids prevent the mental strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with personalized advice and instructions.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Hearing can prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
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 circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. The correct treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and prevent it from becoming worse.
In the years to come you will be providing yourself with the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice quality hygiene!
