Normally, when you’re first notice hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is try to minimize the damage. After all, you can take some easy measures to stop further damage and protect your ears.
Step 1: Clean Your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? But it’s actually the inner ear we’re concerned with keeping clean when it comes to hearing health, not behind the ears.
There are multiple ways that keeping your ears clear of wax can help your hearing:
- When wax buildup becomes severe, it can prevent sound from reaching your inner ear. This diminishes your ability to hear.
- Over time, neglected hearing loss can impact your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the functionality of your hearing aid if you use one. This may make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
- Your hearing can also be interfered with if you get a serious ear infection which can also be caused by unclean ears. Your hearing will return to normal after the ear infection clears.
You never turn to the use of a cotton swab to try and dig out excess earwax. In most instances, a cotton swab will worsen the situation or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one should almost be left off the list it’s so intuitive. But knowing how loud is too loud is the real problem for most individuals. Over an extended period of time, for instance, your ears can be damaged by driving on a busy highway. The motor on your lawnmower can be fairly taxing on your ears, also. As you can see, it isn’t just blasting speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears.
Here are a few ways to avoid damaging noise:
- When you can’t avoid loud settings, use hearing protection. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Going to see a rock concert? That’s fun. But be sure to use the proper protection for your ears. A perfect illustration would be earmuffs and earplugs.
- Making use of an app on your phone to notify you when decibel levels get to harmful thresholds.
- When you’re listening to music or watching videos keep your headphone volume at a manageable volume. Most phones include built-in alerts when you’re nearing a dangerous threshold.
Damage to the ears from noise doesn’t happen all of a sudden, it builds up slowly. So, even if your hearing “seems” fine after a loud event, it may not be. You can only get a clean bill of health for your ears by a hearing specialist.
Step #3: Address Any Hearing Loss You Might Have
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So catching any damage early on will go a long way to preventing additional injury. That’s why getting treated is tremendously important when it comes to limiting hearing loss. Your hearing will be at the greatest advantage if you seek out and follow through on effective treatment.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Hearing aids stop the brain strain and social solitude that exacerbate hearing loss-related health problems.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Hearing aids will prevent additional deterioration of your hearing by stopping this damage.
- We can provide personalized instructions and advice to help you prevent further damage to your ears.
Decreasing Hearing Impairment Will Benefit You in The Future
Although it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, getting treatment for your hearing loss will help prevent further damage. One of the principal ways to do that, in many situations, is hearing aids. Getting the correct treatment will not only prevent additional damage but also keep your current hearing level intact.
Your allowing yourself the best chance for healthy hearing into the future by using ear protection, getting the proper treatment, and exercising good hearing hygiene.