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. As long as you are having trouble hearing sound, whether it’s related to a blockage, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is attempt to stop the damage. There are, after all, some easy steps you can take to safeguard your ears and control further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Remember when your mom used to always ask “did you clean behind your ears”? 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:
- Unkempt ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your normal hearing will typically come back when then the infection clears.
- Sound waves will have a harder time reaching your inner ear if you have substantial accumulation. Your hearing becomes jeopardized as a result.
- Earwax buildup also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. If this occurs you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Your brain and your ability to decipher sounds can be impacted over time by untreated hearing loss.
You should not ever try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. Cotton swabs can push the earwax further up into the ear canal and can trigger even more damage. You can buy earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Try to avoid loud noises that could lead to hearing loss
This one should be pretty obvious. But identifying what comprises “loud sound” isn’t very easy for most individuals. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears, highway driving can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be compromised by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And, be mindful to safeguard your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Some useful ways to avoid harmful noises include:
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to tunes, watch your headphone volume. When you’re listening at harmful levels, most phones have built-in warnings.
- When volume levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
- Wearing ear protection when loud environments are unavoidable. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. Just wear the necessary hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs offer ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will accumulate gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. So in terms of hearing loss, this is the reason why having it treated is so important. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you observe the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Treatment works like this:
- We will provide customized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Mental strain, social withdrawal, and other hearing loss-associated health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re unlikely to turn up the tv to damaging volumes. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
Treatment is one of the main ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there’s no cure. The correct treatment will help you preserve your current degree of hearing and prevent it from getting 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 good hygiene!