Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets a few standard criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. As long as you are having a hard time hearing sound, whether it’s caused by an obstruction, age, loud noise, or anything else, it’s still hearing loss.
Restricting the damage is usually the first step to take when you begin to detect hearing loss. This is just one basic step you can take to safeguard your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those original hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? In terms of hearing health, we aren’t worried about the areas behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildups can help your hearing in numerous different ways:
- If you wear hearing aids, earwax will also impede their operation. This could make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can block sound waves from reaching your inner ear. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be impacted over time by neglected hearing loss.
- Your ability to hear can be impeded by inflammation which is caused by severe ear infection as a result of dirty ears. Your normal hearing will usually return when then the infection goes away.
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 worse or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could contribute to hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so instinctive it almost doesn’t need to be on the list. But determining what comprises “loud sound” isn’t very easy for most individuals. There are lots of dangers to your hearing in day-to-day life and that includes things as common as driving on a noisy freeway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be compromised by things like your lawn mower engine. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be cautious to safeguard your hearing!
Some practical ways to steer clear of harmful noises include:
- When volume levels get too loud, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
- When you’re watching movies or listening to tunes, keep the headphone volume down. Most cellphones feature built-in warnings when you’re approaching a harmful level.
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud setting, use hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s fine. Just use the necessary hearing protection. You can get enough protection from contemporary earplugs and earmuffs.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing seems fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is usually a gradual progression. Your hearing can only get a clean bill of health by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
In general, hearing loss is accumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent further damage. That’s why treatment is very essential when it comes to controlling hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you follow the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further degeneration of your hearing.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social separation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
- We will provide personalized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
Limit hearing loss – it will benefit you in the long run
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, in many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent it. Treating your hearing loss properly will stop further 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!