Pizza is an interesting thing. You can switch up the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is similar. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by many different issues – loud noises, genetics, age, ear blockages – but as long as you have trouble hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Restricting the damage is normally the first step to take when you begin to detect hearing loss. This is only one simple step you can take to safeguard your hearing from further damage.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your parents used to constantly ask “did you wash behind your ears”? But with regards to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re interested in.
Your hearing can be benefited in a number of ways by keeping your ears free of earwax:
- After a while, neglected hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. If this happens you may think that your hearing is getting even worse.
- Sound waves will have a harder time reaching your inner ear if you have substantial accumulation. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- Untidy ears boost your risk of getting an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when significant enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears up, your normal hearing will typically return.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause additional damage. You can buy earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local pharmacy which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could result in hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on this list. The issue is that most people have no clue what a “loud noise” actually is. it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears, freeway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears too. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be cautious to protect your hearing!
Some useful ways to avoid harmful noises include:
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when the volume reaches dangerous levels.
- Wearing hearing protection when loud situations 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 remember your ear protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- When you’re streaming movies or listening to tunes, watch your headphone volume. Most cellphones feature built-in alerts when you’re getting close to a dangerous threshold.
So if you go to a noisy event and your hearing feels fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is often a gradual progression. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, have it treated
Hearing loss generally accumulates over time. So you’ll be better able to prevent further harm if you catch it early. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is why getting it treated is so important. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible state.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will help you avoid further damage by providing you with customized advice and guidelines.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. With a hearing aid, you’re unlikely to turn the tv up to damaging volumes. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
- Mental strain, social withdrawal, 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
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, in many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to prevent it. The correct treatment will help you preserve your present level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
In the years to come you will be giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!