Isn’t pizza interesting? You can alter the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few basic factors, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by numerous different problems, loud noises, genetic factors, age, or ear obstructions, but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Frequently, when you’re facing hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you should do is attempt to limit the damage. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to safeguard your ears and limit added hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you wash behind your ears? It’s one of those childhood hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not worried about the parts behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
There are a number of ways that earwax accumulation can affect your hearing:
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a substantial amount of earwax builds up. When this takes place you won’t be able to hear as well.
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also interfere with that. This may make you think that your hearing is going.
- Unclean ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will usually return (but that’s something you should consult a doctor about).
A cotton swab is definitely not the correct tool to use to get any earwax that you may have noticed out and is strongly discouraged. Cotton swabs can cause damage and will typically worsen the situation. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Steer clear of loud sounds that could contribute to hearing loss
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. But what exactly comprises a “loud sound”? For instance, freeway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. The engine on your lawnmower can be very taxing on your ears, also. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Some useful ways to stay away from damaging noises include:
- Refraining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re viewing videos or listening to tunes. The majority of phones include built-in alerts when you’re approaching a damaging threshold.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when volumes get to hazardous thresholds.
- Using ear protection when noisy settings are necessary. Are you working on a loud factory floor? It’s fine if you want to go to that rock concert. But you need to use the correct ear protection. You can get adequate protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
There’s a gradual advancement to hearing loss that’s due to loud sound. So don’t simply assume that your hearing is fine after a noisy event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in for a hearing exam can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Address any hearing loss you might have
In most cases, hearing loss accumulates gradually over a long time period. So, the sooner you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to avoid added damage. In terms of hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so important. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and implement it.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are worsened by social isolation and brain strain can be avoided by using hearing aids.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by wearing hearing aids. If you’re wearing hearing aids, for example, you won’t always need to turn volumes up to damaging levels. This will counter further noise-related damage.
- We will help you avoid additional damage to your ears by providing you with personalized guidance when you come in for an assessment.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you over the long haul
Although we can’t cure hearing loss, we are putting in hard work to help you prevent additional damage. In many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the best ways to accomplish that. Your current level of hearing will be preserved and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the proper treatment.
You’re taking the appropriate measures to limit hearing loss and put yourself in the best situation to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, use ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.