Pizza is an interesting thing. You can alter the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few general criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. But as long as you have difficulty hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss regardless of whether it’s caused by genetic factors, age, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Minimizing the damage is the first step you should take when facing hearing loss of any variety. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to protect your ears and limit additional hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
Did you wash behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? In terms of hearing health, we aren’t worried about the places behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildup can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- Unclean ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that when severe enough, disrupts your ability to hear. Your hearing will normally go back to normal after the infection clears.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a substantial amount of earwax accumulates. When this happens you won’t be able to hear as well.
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also impact that. This could give you the impression that your hearing is going.
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 situations, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended as an alternative.
Tip 2: Stay away from loud sounds that could contribute to hearing loss
This is so evident that it kind of goes without saying. But what exactly comprises a “loud sound”? For example, freeway driving can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long amount of time. Your ears can also be damaged by frequent usage of your lawn mower. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Some useful ways to prevent damaging noises include:
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can make use of an app on your phone to alert you.
- Wearing ear protection when loud settings are unavoidable. Are you working on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s awesome. Just use the required ear protection. You can get enough protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- When you’re listening to tunes or viewing videos, keep the volume of your headphones at safe levels. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in warning.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up slowly. So don’t simply presume that your hearing is fine after a loud event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in and see us can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Manage any hearing loss you may have
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. You’ll be in a better position to protect against further damage if you recognize your hearing loss early on. That’s why treatment is extremely important when it comes to minimizing hearing loss. Practical treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible situation.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are exacerbated by social solitude and brain strain can be prevented by wearing hearing aids.
- When you come in for a consultation we will provide personalized guidance and advice to help you steer clear of additional damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from turning the volume of your television up so loud it becomes harmful. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also stop further degeneration of your hearing.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss has no cure, hearing specialists are focused on limiting further damage to your ears. In many cases, hearing loss treatment is one of the best ways to achieve 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 steps to prevent hearing loss and put yourself in the best position to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, utilize ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.
