Isn’t pizza interesting? You can adjust the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it satisfies a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s a lot like hearing loss. But as long as you have a hard time hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, blockages, or exposure to loud noise.
Usually, when you’re facing hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is try to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to protect your hearing and minimize added 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? In terms of hearing health, we aren’t worried about the parts behind your ears, but rather inside of your ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildup can help your hearing in several different ways:
- Your chance of developing an ear infection is elevated if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can result in inflammation which will impede your hearing. Your hearing will usually return to normal when the infection is gone.
- If you use a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This may make it seem as if your hearing is worsening.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a substantial amount of earwax accumulates. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes decreased.
A cotton swab is definitely not the right tool to use to get any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. Cotton swabs can cause damage and will usually worsen the situation. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Really loud sounds should be averted
This is so evident that it sort of goes without saying. The problem is that the majority of people are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. For example, freeway travel can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. Your ears can also be harmed by regular usage of your lawn mower. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are some ways to avoid loud, harmful noises.:
- Refraining from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in warning.
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
- Wearing hearing protection when loud environments are unavoidable. Do you work on the floor of a noisy factory? It’s fine if you want to attend that rock concert. But wear the necessary ear protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs offer adequate protection.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will progress gradually. So don’t simply assume that your hearing is fine after a loud event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in and see us can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
In most situations, hearing loss develops slowly over an extended time period. You’ll be in a better position to protect against further damage if you identify your hearing loss early on. In terms of hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so essential. Practical treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will help you stay clear of further damage to your ears by providing you with personalized instructions when you come in for a consultation.
- Hearing aids reduce the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. If you’re using hearing aids, for instance, you won’t always need to turn volumes up to harmful levels. This will prevent further noise-related damage.
In the long run, you will be helped by wearing hearing aids
Despite the fact that we can’t cure hearing loss, we are doing hard work to help you minimize further damage. In many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to accomplish that. The appropriate treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and stop it from getting worse.
You’re taking the correct steps to prevent hearing loss and put yourself in the best situation to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, utilize ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.
