Isn’t pizza great? As long as it meets a few standard criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) regardless of the toppings, it’s still pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. Symptoms and presentations are a consequence of many different problems – loud noises, genetics, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have trouble hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you first notice hearing loss (regardless of the type), the first thing you should do is try to stop the damage. This is just one simple step you can take to protect your hearing from further damage.
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? When it comes to hearing health, we aren’t worried about the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Your hearing can be helped in numerous ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time reaching your inner ear if you have substantial accumulation. As a result, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
- Your ability to hear can be hampered 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 return.
- Earwax buildup also impedes the functioning of your hearing aid if you have one. If this happens you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be impacted over time by neglected hearing loss.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can push the earwax further up into the ear canal and can cause even more damage. You can get earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be fairly intuitive. But defining what comprises “loud sound” is not very easy for most people. There are lots of risks to your hearing in everyday life including things as common as driving on a noisy freeway every day over long periods. 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!
Here are some practical ways to avoid noise damage:
- Wearing ear protection when noisy conditions are not avoidable. If you want to go to a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s okay but don’t forget your hearing protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to music, watch your headphone volume. When you’re listening at hazardous volumes, most phones have built-in warnings.
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when the volume reaches dangerous thresholds.
So if you go to a noisy event and your hearing feels fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is usually a gradual progression. Only a hearing specialist can let you know if you have hearing loss.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
Generally speaking, hearing loss is accumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to avoid further damage. So in terms of hearing loss, this is the reason why having it treated is so important. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with customized advice and guidelines.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- Brain strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-related health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
Treatment is one of the principal ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there is no cure. Treating your hearing loss correctly will stop additional damage while protecting your current degree of hearing.
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 good hygiene!