Normally, when you’re first notice hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is attempt to control the damage. There are, after all, some straightforward measures you can take to safeguard your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Step 1: Keep Your Ears Clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those first hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? But it’s actually the inner ear we’re worried about cleaning in terms of hearing health, not behind the ears.
There are numerous ways that keeping your ears free of wax can help your hearing:
- Your hearing can also be interfered with if you get a severe ear infection which can also be a result of dirty ears. When your ear infection goes away, your regular hearing will usually return.
- When wax buildup becomes substantial, it can prevent sound from getting into your inner ear. As a result, your hearing becomes diminished.
- In the long run, untreated hearing loss can impact your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax accumulation can interfere with its function also. You may end up thinking that your hearing is going downhill because of this.
You never resort to using a cotton swab to try and dig out built up earwax. In most cases, a cotton swab will worsen the situation or cause additional damage. Over the counter ear drops are a better decision.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one should almost be left off the list it’s so obvious. The issue is that most people aren’t entirely certain what a “loud noise” actually is. As an example, freeway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over an extended time period. Also, believe it or not, your lawn mower can take a toll on your hearing. As you can see, it’s not just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears.
Some practical ways to stay away from harmful noises include:
- When volume levels get too loud, an app on your phone can warn you of that.
- Using ear protection when loud environments can’t be avoided. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s great. But be sure to use the appropriate protection for your ears. A perfect example would be earmuffs and earplugs.
- Refraining from cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re listening to music or watching videos. When hazardous levels are being reached, most phones come with a built in warning.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will develop slowly. So if you’ve been to a loud event, you could have done damage even if you don’t detect it. You can only get a clean bill of health for your ears by a hearing specialist.
Step #3: Address Any Hearing Impairment You Might Have
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So catching any damage early will help prevent added injury. That’s why getting treated is incredibly important in terms of limiting hearing loss. Practical treatments (that you follow through with) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Hearing aids can stop some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will prevent you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing aids will counter further deterioration of your hearing by preventing this damage.
- We can provide personalized guidance and advice to help you prevent added damage to your hearing.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
You Will be Benefited in The Future by Decreasing Hearing Loss
Even though it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, getting treatment for your hearing loss will help prevent further damage. In many situations, hearing aids are one of the principal ways to achieve that. The correct treatment will help you maintain your present level of hearing and stop it from worsening.
Your giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing into the future by using ear protection, getting the correct treatment, and exercising good hearing hygiene.