Generally, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is try to limit the damage. There are, in fact, some simple steps you can take to safeguard your hearing and minimize further hearing loss.
Step 1: Keep Your Ears Clean
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those initial hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? With regards to hearing health, though, we aren’t concerned with the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free from wax buildup can help your hearing in several different ways:
- When wax buildup becomes significant, it can block sound from reaching your inner ear. Consequently, your hearing becomes weakened.
- Your brain and ability to decipher sound will inevitably be affected by neglected hearing loss.
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the functionality of your hearing aid if you have one. You might end up feeling like your hearing is going downhill because of this.
- Untidy ears raise your chances of getting an ear infection, which causes inflammation that (when severe enough) interferes with your hearing. Your hearing will return to normal after the ear infection clears.
If you notice earwax accumulation, it’s definitely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Added damage can be caused by cotton swabs and they will frequently make it even harder to hear. Over the counter ear drops are a better opinion.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. The problem is that most people aren’t entirely certain what a “loud noise” actually is. For example, freeway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over an extended period of time. Your lawnmower motor can be rather taxing on your ears, as well. As you can tell, it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears.
Here are some ways to avoid damaging noise:
- When you can’t steer clear of loud settings, use hearing protection. Does your job put you on the floor of a loud manufacturing plant? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s fun. But be sure to use the correct protection for your hearing. Modern earmuffs and earplugs provide ample protection.
- When volume levels get too high, an app on your phone can alert you of that.
- Refraining from cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. When harmful levels are being reached, most phones have a built in warning.
The damage to your hearing from loud noises will develop gradually. So if you’ve been to a noisy event, you could have done damage even if you don’t realize it. You can only get a clean bill of health for your ears by a hearing professional.
Step #3: Address Any Hearing Loss You May Have
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be capable of preventing additional damage. 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 find and follow through on effective treatment.
Here’s how treatments work:
- The chance of developing hearing loss related health issues is diminished by using hearing aids because they prevent social isolation and brain strain.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by wearing hearing aids. For instance, hearing aids will stop you from turning your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further decline of your hearing.
- Our guidance will help you learn to protect your hearing because it is customized and personalized for you.
You Will be Benefited in The Future by Limiting Hearing Loss
Although we don’t have a cure for hearing loss, additional damage can be prevented with treatment. One of the primary ways to do that, in many cases, is hearing aids. The right treatment will help you maintain your present level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
Your giving yourself the best possibility for healthy hearing into the future by wearing ear protection, getting the appropriate treatment, and exercising good hearing hygiene.