Isn’t pizza cool? You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets some basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. As long as you are having a hard time hearing sound, whether it’s related to a blockage, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Typically, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you should do is attempt to minimize the damage. This is only one basic step you can take to safeguard your hearing from further damage.
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 in terms of the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re interested in.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildups can help your hearing in numerous different ways:
- Over time, untreated hearing loss impacts your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- Your ability to hear can be obstructed by swelling which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of unclean ears. Your normal hearing will usually return when then the infection goes away.
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This might make it seem as though your hearing is getting worse.
- When wax accumulation becomes significant, it can stop sound waves from getting into your inner ear. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
You should not ever try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. Cotton swabs can jam the earwax further up into the ear canal and can cause even more harm. You can get earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. The problem is that most individuals have no clue what a “loud noise” actually is. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your hearing, freeway driving can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears also. And, be mindful to safeguard your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some useful ways to steer clear of damaging noises include:
- Using hearing protection when noisy environments are not avoidable. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s cool. Just wear the correct ear protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs offer ample protection.
- When decibel levels get too high, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to tunes, keep the headphone volume down. Most cellphones feature built-in warnings when you’re approaching a hazardous level.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up 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 might have
Hearing loss generally builds over time. So you’ll be better able to prevent further damage if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is incredibly essential when it comes to controlling hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. With a hearing aid, you’re unlikely to crank up the tv to harmful volumes. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
- Brain strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-associated health problems can be prevented by hearing aids.
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with personalized advice and guidelines.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss properly will stop further damage while preserving your current degree of hearing.
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!
