Usually, when you’re first notice hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is try to minimize the damage. After all, you can take some basic steps to prevent additional damage and protect your ears.
Step 1: Keep Your Ears Clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those initial hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? But it’s actually the inner ear we’re concerned with cleaning in terms of hearing health, not behind the ears.
There are several ways that keeping your ears free from wax can assist your hearing:
- Earwax accumulation also inhibits the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make it seem like your hearing is getting worse.
- In the long run, neglected hearing loss can affect your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- Sound can be blocked from getting into the inner ear when there’s too much wax buildup. As a result, your hearing becomes weakened.
- Your ability to hear can also be interfered with if you get a serious ear infection which can also be caused by dirty ears. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will usually come back.
You never turn to using a cotton swab to try and dig out excess earwax. Added damage can be caused by cotton swabs and they will frequently make it even harder to hear. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one is so obvious it almost shouldn’t be listed. But determining how loud is too loud is the real issue for most individuals. For example, freeway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over an extended period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears, as well. Obviously, it’s more than rock concerts or loud speakers that cause hearing damage.
Here are some ways to stay away from damaging noise:
- When decibel levels get too loud, an app on your phone can alert you of that.
- Using hearing protection when noisy environments can’t be avoided. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Going to see a rock concert? That’s cool. Just use the required ear protection. A perfect illustration would be earplugs or earmuffs.
- When you’re watching videos or listening to music keep your headphone volume at a manageable volume. Most phones include built-in warnings when you’re approaching a dangerous threshold.
The damage to your hearing from loud sounds will build up gradually. So if you’ve been to a loud event, you may have done damage even if you don’t notice it. You can only get a clean bill of health for your ears by a hearing professional.
Step #3: If You Have Any Hearing Impairment – Get it Treated
Hearing impairment accumulates generally speaking. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be capable of preventing additional damage. So when it comes to stopping hearing loss, treatment is so essential. Your hearing will get the greatest benefit if you seek out and follow through on practical treatment.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also prevent further decline of your hearing.
- Hearing aids minimize the brain strain and social solitude that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
- We can give individualized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your hearing.
Limiting Hearing Impairment Will Benefit You in The Future
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, getting treatment for your hearing loss will help prevent further damage. One of the main ways to do that, in many instances, is hearing aids. Getting the correct treatment will not only stop additional damage but also keep your current hearing level in tact.
Your giving yourself the best possibility for healthy hearing into the future by using ear protection, getting the appropriate treatment, and practicing good hearing hygiene.