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 also like hearing loss. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by many different issues – loud noises, genetics, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, 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 limit the damage. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to protect your ears and control further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your mom used to constantly ask “did you wash 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.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildups can help your hearing in a few different ways:
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can stop sound waves from reaching your inner ear. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
- Your ability to hear can be hampered by swelling which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of dirty ears. Your functional hearing will usually come back when then the infection clears.
- Earwax accumulation also impedes the functioning of your hearing aid if you use one. If this occurs you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be affected over time by neglected hearing loss.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can jam the earwax further up into the ear canal and can cause even more harm. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could result in hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. The problem is that most people have no clue what a “loud noise” actually is. There are many risks to your hearing in day-to-day life and that includes things as common as driving on a loud highway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be compromised by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And, be careful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are a few practical ways to eliminate noise damage:
- When you’re watching movies or listening to music, keep the headphone volume down. Most cellphones feature built-in warnings when you’re approaching a dangerous level.
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud setting, wear ear protection. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s fine but don’t forget your ear protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- When decibel levels get too high, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate slowly. 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 might have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is accumulative. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. So in terms of hearing loss, this is why getting it treated is so important. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will provide personalized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social separation that worsen hearing loss-related health issues.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss appropriately will prevent additional damage while preserving your present degree 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!