Isn’t pizza cool? 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. 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.
Usually, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is attempt to stop the damage. This is only one simple step you can take to safeguard your hearing from further damage.
Tip 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? When it comes to hearing health, we’re not worried about the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can help your hearing in numerous different ways:
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time reaching your inner ear if you have significant buildup. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
- After a while, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- Unkempt ears boost your chances of getting an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when significant enough, interferes with your ability to hear. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will typically return.
- Earwax buildup also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. This could make it seem as if your hearing is worsening.
You should not ever try to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause added damage. You can get earwax removal drops over-the-counter at your local drugstore which work better and are safer than swabs.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could result in hearing loss should be avoided
This one is so instinctive it almost doesn’t need to be on this list. The problem is that most people are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. There are lots of risks to your hearing in day-to-day life including things as common as driving on a loud highway every day over long periods. Your ears can also be compromised by things like the motor of your lawn mower. And, be mindful to safeguard your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are a few useful ways to avoid noise damage:
- Using an app on your phone to let you know when decibel levels reach dangerous thresholds.
- Refrain from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. When you’re listening at harmful levels, most phones have built-in warnings.
- When you can’t prevent being in a loud environment, wear hearing protection. If you want to attend a loud rock concert or if you work in a noisy factory that’s okay but remember your hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing feels 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: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. So you’ll be better able to prevent further harm if you catch it early. That’s why treatment is extremely important when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best possible condition when you stick to the treatment plan we will lay out for you.
Treatment works like this:
- Mental strain, social isolation, and other hearing loss-related health issues can be prevented by hearing aids.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it damages your ears. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this kind of damage.
- We will help you avoid further damage by supplying you with individualized advice and guidelines.
In the long run you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids
Treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there is no cure. The correct treatment will help you preserve your present level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
In the years to come you will be giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!
