Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can switch the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses on it, but as long as it meets a few general criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to 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.
Limiting the damage is the first thing you should do when facing hearing loss of any type. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to protect your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
When you were a kid, you probably were taught that you need to wash behind your ears. In terms of hearing health, we aren’t concerned with the areas behind your ears, but rather inside of your ears.
There are a number of ways that earwax buildup can impact your hearing:
- Earwax accumulation also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. This may make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
- Unclean ears raise your chances of getting an ear infection, which creates inflammation that when significant enough, impedes your hearing. Your hearing will normally go back to normal when the infection clears.
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can prevent soundwaves from reaching your inner ear. Consequently, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
A cotton swab is absolutely not the correct tool to use to get any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. In most cases, a cotton swab will worsen the problem or cause added harm. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended as an alternative.
Tip 2: Steer clear of loud noises that could result in hearing loss
This is so evident that it kind of goes without saying. The problem is that most people are hard-pressed to characterize what a “loud noise” really is. For example, freeway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. The engine on your lawnmower can be pretty straining on your ears, also. As you can see, it’s not just blasting speakers or raucous rock concerts that harm your ears.
Some practical ways to prevent harmful noises include:
- 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 alert.
- When you have to be in a noisy setting, utilize hearing protection. Do you work on the floor of a noisy factory? It’s fine if you want to attend that rock concert. But you need to use the appropriate ear protection. You can get plenty of protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when decibel levels reach unsafe thresholds.
There’s a gradual progression to hearing loss that’s caused by loud sound. So, even if your hearing “feels” fine after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. We can only help you find out if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: Address any hearing loss you may have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is progressive. So, the earlier you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to avoid further damage. That’s why treatment is extremely important when it comes to minimizing hearing loss. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking the volume of your television up so loud it becomes harmful. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further impairment of your hearing.
- When you come in for a consultation we will give you individualized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Hearing loss-related health problems that are worsened by social solitude and brain strain can be avoided by wearing hearing aids.
In the long run, you will be helped by using hearing aids
While it’s true that hearing loss has no cure, hearing specialists are working hard to limit further harm to your hearing. Treatment of hearing loss is usually one of the best approaches to that. Your current level of hearing will be maintained and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the correct treatment.
You’re taking the appropriate measures to minimize 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 tests.