Isn’t pizza interesting? As long as a few factors are met, you can change toppings, cheese, and sauce, and it’s still a pizza. That’s a lot like hearing loss. Symptoms and presentations are caused by numerous different problems, loud noises, genetic factors, age, or ear obstructions, but as long as you have difficulty hearing sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Limiting the damage is the first step you should take when confronted with hearing loss of any type. You can, after all, take some simple steps to limit further damage and protect your ears.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
When you were a kid, you probably learned that you need to clean behind your ears. But it’s your inner ears that we’re concerned with here, regarding hearing health, not behind your ears.
There are various ways that earwax accumulation can impact your hearing:
- Earwax buildup also impedes the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make you think that your hearing is going.
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can block soundwaves from getting into your inner ear. When this takes place you won’t be able to hear as well.
- Your chance of getting an ear infection is increased if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can result in swelling which will impede your hearing. Your hearing will normally go back to normal after the infection clears.
A cotton swab is definitely not the best tool to use to clear 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. As an alternative, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Very loud sounds should be averted
This one is so intuitive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. But what precisely comprises a “loud sound”? For example, highway travel can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be damaged by frequent use of your lawn mower. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are a number of ways to avoid loud, damaging noises.:
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
- When you’re listening to music or watching videos, keep your headphone volume at safe levels. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in alert.
- When you have to be in a noisy setting, use hearing protection. Are you working on the floor of a noisy factory? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. But wear the necessary hearing protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs offer ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will progress gradually. So don’t simply assume that your hearing is fine after a noisy event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in for a hearing exam can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: Address any hearing loss you may have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the sooner you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop added damage. That’s why treatment is extremely important in terms of limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best position if you get treatment and follow through with it.
Treatment works like this:
- When you come in and see us we will provide personalized instructions and advice to help you avoid additional damage to your ears.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by wearing hearing aids. If you’re wearing hearing aids, for instance, you won’t always need to turn volumes up to harmful levels. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
- Hearing aids reduce the brain strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
Minimize hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, hearing specialists are focused on limiting further damage to your hearing. Treatment of hearing loss is usually one of the best approaches to that. Your current level of hearing will be maintained and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the proper treatment.
You’re taking the correct steps to minimize 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.