Pizza is a fascinating thing. You can change the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses concerned, but as long as it meets some basic criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s also like hearing loss. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by many different issues – loud noises, genetics, age, ear obstructions – but as long as you have difficulty detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Usually, when you first notice hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you need to do is try to stop the damage. This is just one simple step you can take to safeguard your hearing from further harm.
Tip 1: Clean your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene instructions you learn (or should have learned), right? When it comes to hearing health, we aren’t worried about the areas behind your ears, but instead your inner ears.
Your hearing can be helped in several ways by keeping your ears clear of earwax:
- Untidy ears increase your risk of developing an ear infection, which causes swelling that, when significant enough, interferes with your ability to hear. Your functional hearing will usually return when then the infection clears.
- If you use hearing aids, earwax will also impede their functionality. This may make it seem as if your hearing is worsening.
- Your brain and your ability to interpret sounds can be affected over time by untreated hearing loss.
- When wax buildup becomes significant, it can block sound waves from reaching your inner ear. As a result, your ability to hear becomes reduced.
You should never attempt to use a cotton swab to dig out earwax. In most situations, a cotton swab will make things 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 pretty intuitive. The issue is that most individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. It’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your hearing, freeway driving can be noisy enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. Your ears can also be damaged by things like your lawn mower engine. And when you’re out celebrating the 4th of July, be careful to protect your ears!
Some useful ways to steer clear of harmful noises include:
- Avoid cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re streaming videos or listening to tunes. Most cellphones include built-in alerts when you’re nearing a harmful threshold.
- Using an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels reach harmful levels.
- When you can’t avoid being in a loud setting, wear ear 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. You can get enough protection from contemporary earplugs and earmuffs.
The damage to your ears from loud noises will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” fine after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Your hearing can only be properly assessed by a hearing specialist.
Tip 3: Treat any hearing loss you may have
Hearing loss typically accumulates over time. So you’ll be in a better position to prevent further harm if you catch it early. So in terms of hearing loss, this is why getting it treated is so essential. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- We will give you personalized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social separation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by hearing aids. With a hearing aid, you’re not likely to crank the tv up to dangerous volumes. Hearing can stop further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this type of damage.
Limit hearing loss – it will help you in the long run
Treatment is one of the primary ways to prevent hearing loss despite the fact that there’s no cure. The appropriate treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and prevent it from becoming worse.
In the years to come you will be providing yourself with the best chance for healthy hearing if you get hearing loss treatment from us, use hearing protection, and practice good hygiene!