Pizza is an interesting thing. You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. Symptoms and presentations are caused by numerous different problems, loud noises, genetics, 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 (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is attempt to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to safeguard your hearing and limit additional hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you wash behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? But it’s inside of your ears that we’re worried about here, in terms of hearing health, not the back of your ears.
There are a number of ways that earwax accumulation can affect your hearing:
- Unclean ears raise your chances of developing an ear infection, which creates inflammation that when severe enough, interferes with your ability to hear. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will usually come back (but that’s something you should talk to a doctor about).
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the functionality of your hearing aid if you use one. This may make it seem as if your hearing is worsening.
- Sound waves going to your ears can be blocked when a substantial amount of earwax accumulates. When this takes place you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
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. Cotton swabs can cause damage and will almost always make the problem worse. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended as an alternative.
Tip 2: Really loud sounds should be averted
This one is so instinctive it practically shouldn’t be on the list. The issue is that most people are hard-pressed to determine what a “loud noise” really is. For example, freeway travel can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be harmed by frequent use of your lawn mower. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are some ways to steer clear of loud, damaging noises.:
- Abstaining from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re viewing videos or listening to music. The majority of phones offer built-in alerts when you’re approaching a damaging threshold.
- Using hearing protection when noisy settings are necessary. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s cool. But you need to use the correct ear protection. You can get plenty of protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when volumes get to dangerous levels.
There’s a gradual progression to hearing loss that’s due to loud sound. So don’t just presume that your hearing is fine after a noisy event, even if it feels fine. We can only help you determine if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
In most instances, hearing loss accumulates gradually over a long time period. You’ll be in a better position to avoid further damage if you recognize your hearing loss early on. That’s why treatment is incredibly important in terms of minimizing hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and follow through with it.
Treatment works like this:
- Hearing aids reduce the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
- We will help you stay clear of additional damage to your ears by providing you with personalized guidance when you come in for a consultation.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. If you’re using hearing aids, for instance, you won’t always have to turn volumes up to harmful levels. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you over the long haul
While we know that hearing loss can’t be cured, hearing specialists are focused on limiting further damage to your ears. In many circumstances, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to achieve that. The right treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and prevent it from worsening.
You’re taking the proper 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.