Normally, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is try to control the damage. There are, after all, some simple steps you can take to protect your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Step 1: Clean Your Ears
Remember learning to be certain you clean behind your ears when you learned general hygiene (or at least should have learned). But it’s actually the inner ear we’re concerned with keeping clean in terms of hearing health, rather than behind the ears.
Keeping your ears free from wax accumulation can help your hearing in a number of distinctive ways:
- Sound can be blocked from getting into the inner ear when there’s too much wax buildup. This reduces your ability to hear.
- Your brain and ability to decipher sound will inevitably be affected by untreated hearing loss.
- Your hearing can also be interfered with if you get a serious ear infection which can also be caused by dirty ears. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will normally return.
- Earwax buildup also inhibits the operation of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
If you observe earwax accumulation, it’s definitely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be listed. The problem is that most individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. Over an extended period of time, for instance, your hearing can be damaged by driving on a busy highway. Your lawnmower motor can be fairly taxing on your ears, also. Obviously, it’s more than rock concerts or high volume speakers that cause hearing impairment.
Here are a few ways to stay away from damaging noise:
- When volume levels get too loud, an app on your phone can alert you of that.
- Wearing ear protection when loud environments can’t be avoided. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s cool. But be sure to wear the proper protection for your ears. A perfect example would be earmuffs and earplugs.
- When you’re listening to music or watching videos keep your headphone volume at a manageable level. Most phones feature built-in alerts when you’re nearing a dangerous level.
The damage to your hearing from loud sounds will develop slowly. So, even if your hearing “seems” okay after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Step #3: If You Have Any Hearing Loss – Have it Addressed
Hearing loss accumulates most of the time. So catching any damage early will help prevent added injury. So in terms of slowing down hearing loss, treatment is so essential. Effective treatments (that you follow through with) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Our advice will help you learn to safeguard your hearing because it is customized and personalized for you.
- The potential of developing hearing loss related health issues is reduced by wearing hearing aids because they minimize social isolation and brain strain.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by using hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
Limiting Hearing Loss Will Benefit You in The Future
Even though we don’t have a cure for hearing loss, additional damage can be prevented with treatment. In many situations, hearing aids are one of the top ways to achieve that. The correct treatment will help you preserve your present level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you use hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and obtain hearing loss treatment, you’re taking the appropriate measures to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the future.