Isn’t pizza interesting? You can adjust the toppings, sauces, even the cheeses involved, but as long as it meets a few general criteria, it’s still a pizza. That’s a lot like hearing loss. Symptoms and manifestations are caused by numerous different issues, loud noises, genetics, age, or ear blockages, but as long as you have difficulty detecting sounds, it’s still hearing loss.
Normally, when you’re facing hearing loss (regardless of the variety), the first thing you need to do is try to minimize the damage. There are, after all, some simple steps you can take to safeguard your hearing and minimize further hearing loss.
Tip 1: Keep your ears clean
Did you wash behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? But it’s your inner ears that we’re concerned with here, in terms of hearing health, not behind your ears.
There are a number of ways that earwax buildup can affect your hearing:
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can prevent soundwaves from reaching your inner ear. Because of this, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- Your chance of getting an ear infection is increased if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can lead to swelling which will interfere with your hearing. Your hearing will normally return to normal when the infection clears.
- If you use a hearing aid, earwax can also impact that. This might make it seem as if your hearing is diminishing.
If you find earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can lead to damage and will typically worsen the situation. Over-the-counter ear drops are encouraged instead.
Tip 2: Very loud sounds should be avoided
This is so evident that it kind of goes without saying. But what exactly constitutes a “loud sound”? For example, highway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. The engine on your lawnmower can be pretty taxing on your ears, also. As you can see, it’s not just blasting speakers or raucous rock concerts that harm your ears.
Here are some ways to avoid loud, harmful noises.:
- When you’re listening to music or viewing videos, keep the volume of your headphones at safe levels. Most phones include built-in warnings when you’re approaching a hazardous limit.
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can utilize an app on your phone to alert you.
- When you have to be in a noisy environment, utilize hearing protection. Are you working on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s awesome. But use the necessary ear protection. Modern earmuffs and earplugs provide sufficient protection.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up slowly. So don’t just assume that your hearing is okay after a loud event, even if it feels fine. We can only help you find out if you have hearing loss if you call for an appointment.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, deal with it
In general, hearing loss is progressive. So, the sooner you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to protect against additional damage. In terms of hearing loss, that’s why treatment is so important. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Treatment works like this:
- When you come in and see us we will provide personalized instructions and advice to help you steer clear of additional damage to your ears.
- Hearing loss-related health problems that are worsened by social solitude and brain strain can be avoided by using hearing aids.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For example, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it becomes harmful. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
Minimize hearing loss – it will benefit you over the long haul
Even though we can’t cure hearing loss, we are doing hard work to help you prevent further damage. In many instances, hearing loss treatment is one of the main ways to achieve that. Your current level of hearing will be maintained and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the correct treatment.
When you wear hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment with us, you’re taking the correct measures to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come.