Pizza is a fascinating thing. As long as it meets a few standard criteria (crust, sauce, cheese, etc.) whatever the toppings, it’s still pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by many different problems – loud noises, genetic factors, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have trouble detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Normally, when you first notice hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you need to do is try to limit the damage. This is only one simple measure you can take to safeguard your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Remember when your mom used to always ask “did you wash behind your ears”? But when it comes to the health of your hearing, it’s the inner ear, not behind the ears, that we’re interested in.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildups can help your hearing in numerous different ways:
- Untidy ears boost your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that, when severe enough, impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will usually return.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also interfere with their functionality. This might make it seem like your hearing is getting worse.
- After a while, untreated hearing loss affects your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- Sound waves will have a more difficult time getting into your inner ear if you have significant accumulation. Your hearing becomes compromised as a result.
You should not ever attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things even worse or cause added damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Loud noise that could lead to hearing loss should be avoided
This one should be fairly obvious. But defining what constitutes “loud sound” isn’t very easy for most people. There are lots of risks to your hearing in day-to-day life and that includes things as common as driving on a loud highway every day over long periods. The motor on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears also. And, be mindful to protect your hearing during those 4th of July fireworks!
Here are a few practical ways to eliminate noise damage:
- Refrain from cranking the volume up on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to tunes. When you’re listening at hazardous volumes, most phones have built-in alerts.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when the volume reaches hazardous levels.
- Wearing ear protection when noisy conditions are inescapable. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. Just wear the correct hearing protection. You can get enough protection from modern earplugs and earmuffs.
So if you go to a loud event and your hearing feels fine after, that doesn’t mean it is, because hearing loss is often 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, have it treated
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be able to stop further damage. So when it comes to hearing loss, this is the reason why getting it treated is so crucial. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s how treatments work:
- We will provide customized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids stop this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
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 current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you wear hearing protection, practice quality hygiene, and engage in hearing loss treatment with a hearing specialist, you’re taking the proper steps to control hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come!