Generally, when you’re first notice hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is attempt to limit the damage. After all, you can take some easy measures to stop further damage and protect your ears.
Step 1: Clean Your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? But it’s actually the inner ear we’re concerned with keeping clean when it comes to hearing health, rather than behind the ears.
There are several ways that keeping your ears clear of wax can assist your hearing:
- Sound can be blocked from getting into the inner ear when there’s too much wax accumulation. This diminishes your ability to hear.
- Your brain and ability to interpret sound will ultimately be affected by neglected hearing loss.
- Unkempt ears increase your chances of getting an ear infection, which causes inflammation that (when severe enough) impedes your hearing. Your hearing will go back to normal after the ear infection clears.
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax buildup can hinder its function as well. You might end up feeling like your hearing is going downhill because of this.
You never turn to the use of a cotton swab to attempt to dig out built up earwax. Further damage can be done by cotton swabs and they will often worsen your ability to hear. Over the counter ear drops are a better decision.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one is so obvious it almost shouldn’t be listed. The problem is that most people aren’t entirely certain what a “loud noise” actually is. Over a long period of time, for instance, your ears can be damaged by driving on a busy freeway. The motor on your lawnmower can be rather taxing on your ears, as well. Obviously, it’s more than rock concerts or high volume speakers that cause hearing loss.
Some practical ways to avoid harmful noises include:
- When you’re watching videos or listening to music keep your headphone volume at a manageable level. When harmful levels are being approached, most phones feature a built in warning.
- When decibel levels get too high, an app on your phone can warn you of that.
- When you can’t avoid loud settings, use hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s fun. Just wear the correct ear protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs supply ample protection.
Damage to the ears from noise doesn’t develop suddenly, it builds up slowly. So if you’ve attended a noisy event, you might have done damage even if you don’t detect it. You can only get a clean bill of health for your ears by a hearing specialist.
Step #3: Treat Any Hearing Loss You Might Have
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So catching any damage early on will go a long way to preventing added injury. So when it comes to slowing down hearing loss, treatment is so important. Your hearing will get the greatest benefit if you find and follow through on practical treatment.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We can give personalized guidance and advice to help you avoid added damage to your ears.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by using hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Hearing aids will prevent further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this damage.
- The potential of developing hearing loss related health issues is diminished by wearing hearing aids because they minimize social solitude and brain strain.
You Will be Benefited in The Future by Decreasing Hearing Loss
Although it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, getting treatment for your hearing loss will help stop additional damage. In many situations, hearing aids are one of the primary ways to accomplish that. The correct treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and prevent it from worsening.
Your allowing yourself the best chance for healthy hearing into the future by using ear protection, getting the correct treatment, and practicing good hearing hygiene.