Isn’t pizza great? You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets some standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by many different problems – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have difficulty detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is usually the first thing to do when you start to detect hearing loss. This is only one basic step you can take to safeguard your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not concerned with the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Your hearing can be benefited in a number of ways by keeping your ears free of earwax:
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the functioning of your hearing aid if you use one. If this happens 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.
- Your ability to hear can be obstructed by inflammation which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of dirty ears. Your normal hearing will usually return when then the infection goes away.
- When wax buildup becomes substantial, it can stop sound waves from reaching your inner ear. As a result, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
You should never attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. Cotton swabs can push the earwax further up into the ear canal and can cause even more damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Avoid loud noises that could result in hearing loss
This one is so intuitive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. The challenge is that most people are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” really is. There are many dangers to your hearing in everyday 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 your lawn mower engine. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be careful to safeguard your hearing!
Some practical ways to steer clear of harmful noises include:
- When volume levels get too high, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, keep the headphone volume down. Most cellphones have built-in alerts when you’re approaching a harmful level.
- Wearing ear protection when loud situations are not avoidable. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s fine. Just use the necessary hearing protection. You can get plenty of protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only get a clean bill of health by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you might have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is accumulative. So you’ll be better able to avoid further damage if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is very essential when it comes to controlling hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will provide for you.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. 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.
- Brain strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-associated health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
- We will give you personalized instructions and guidance to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
Treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent hearing loss in spite of the fact that there’s no cure. The correct treatment will help you maintain your present degree of hearing and prevent it from becoming worse.
In the years to come you will be providing yourself with the best opportunity for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice quality hygiene!