Three Simple Steps to Limit Hearing Loss

Pizza is an interesting thing. As long as a few criteria are met, you can change toppings, cheese, and sauce, and it’s still a pizza. Hearing loss is a lot like that. But as long as you have a hard time hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, blockages, or exposure to loud noise.

Normally, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you need to do is try to limit the damage. You can, after all, take some simple steps to limit further damage and protect your ears.

Tip 1: Keep your ears clean

Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those childhood hygiene lessons you learn, or should have learned, right? But it’s your inner ears that we’re worried about here, regarding hearing health, not the back of your ears.

Keeping your ears clear of wax buildup can improve your hearing in a number of different ways:

• Unkempt ears increase your risk of getting an ear infection, which creates inflammation that when significant enough, disrupts your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will normally come back (but that’s something you should talk to a doctor about).
• Earwax accumulation also impedes the functionality of your hearing aid if you use one. This might make you think that your hearing is going.
• When wax buildup becomes significant, it can prevent soundwaves from reaching your inner ear. When this takes place you won’t be able to hear as well.

If you find earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can cause damage and will typically worsen the situation. Over-the-counter ear drops are recommended instead.

Tip 2: Really loud sounds should be averted

This is so evident that it sort of goes without saying. But what exactly constitutes a “loud sound”? For instance, freeway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long amount of time. Your ears can also be harmed by regular usage of your lawn mower. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.

Some useful ways to avoid harmful noises include:

• When you’re listening to music or watching videos, keep your headphone volume at safe levels. Most phones offer built-in warnings when you’re nearing a dangerous limit.
• Using hearing protection when loud environments are necessary. Are you working on a loud factory floor? It’s okay if you want to go to that rock concert. But you need to use the appropriate hearing protection. You can get adequate protection with modern earmuffs and earplugs.
• When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can make use of an app on your phone to alert you.

There’s a slow progression to hearing loss that’s caused by loud sound. So don’t just presume 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: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated

In most instances, hearing loss develops gradually over a long time period. You’ll be in a better position to prevent additional damage if you recognize your hearing loss early. That’s why treatment is incredibly important in terms of minimizing hearing loss. Your hearing will be in the best situation if you get treatment and follow through with it.

Here’s how treatments work:

• Hearing loss-related health problems that are worsened by social isolation and brain strain can be avoided by using hearing aids.
• Some, but not all damage can be avoided by wearing hearing aids. If you’re wearing hearing aids, for example, you won’t always have to turn volumes up to harmful levels. This will prevent further noise-related damage.
• We will help you avoid additional damage to your ears by supplying you with personalized instructions when you come in for a consultation.

Over the long haul, you will be benefited by wearing hearing aids

Although we can’t cure hearing loss, we are putting in hard work to help you minimize additional damage. Treatment of hearing loss is typically one of the primary approaches to that. Your current level of hearing will be preserved and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the correct treatment.

You’re taking the proper measures to prevent hearing loss and put yourself in the best position to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, use ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing tests.