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 difficulty hearing sound, whether it’s caused by an obstruction, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you first notice hearing loss (regardless of the type), the first thing you need to do is try to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to safeguard your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? But when it comes to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re worried about.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildups can help your hearing in numerous different ways:
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their operation. This might make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
- After a while, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- Your ability to hear can be impeded by inflammation which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of dirty ears. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will typically come back.
- Sound waves will have a harder time getting into your inner ear if you have substantial accumulation. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most situations, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Try to avoid loud noises that could result in hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. But defining what comprises “loud sound” isn’t very easy for most people. There are many hazards to your hearing in day-to-day life and that includes things as common as driving on a loud freeway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be very straining on your ears as well. And, be mindful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some practical ways to avoid damaging noises include:
- Using ear 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 fine. Just wear the necessary hearing protection. You can get plenty of protection from contemporary earplugs and earmuffs.
- When decibel levels get too high, you can use an app on your phone to let you know.
- Refrain from cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to tunes. When you’re listening at unsafe levels, most phones have built-in alerts.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing feels fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is often a gradual progression. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
In general, hearing loss is accumulative. So you’ll be in a better position to avoid further harm if you catch it early. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is the reason why getting it treated is so significant. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you observe the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with individualized advice and instructions.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to crank up the tv to harmful volumes. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social separation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
Treatment is one of the main ways to prevent hearing loss in spite of the fact that there’s no cure. Treating your hearing loss properly will prevent additional damage while protecting your current degree of hearing.
When you wear hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the proper steps to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!