Usually, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is try to control the damage. There are, in fact, some simple steps you can take to safeguard your ears and minimize further hearing loss.
Step 1: Clean Your Ears
Remember learning to be certain you clean behind your ears when you learned basic hygiene (or at least should have learned). When it comes to hearing health, though, we aren’t worried about the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
There are multiple ways that keeping your ears free from wax can assist your hearing:
- Unkempt ears increase your chances of getting an ear infection, which causes inflammation that (when severe enough) interferes with your ability to hear. Your hearing will return to normal after the ear infection clears.
- Your brain and ability to decipher sound will inevitably be affected by neglected hearing loss.
- When wax buildup becomes significant, it can block sound from getting into your inner ear. This reduces your ability to hear.
- If you use a hearing aid, earwax accumulation can hinder its function as well. This could make it seem as though your hearing is getting worse.
If you observe earwax accumulation, it’s absolutely not recommended that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. Over the counter ear drops are a smarter choice.
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. Over an extended period of time, for instance, your hearing can be damaged by driving on a busy freeway. Your lawnmower motor can be rather taxing on your ears, also. As you can tell, it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears.
Some practical ways to stay away from damaging noises include:
- Making use of an app on your phone to alert you when volume levels get to dangerous thresholds.
- Refraining from turning the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. When harmful volumes are being reached, most phones feature a built in warning.
- Wearing ear protection when loud environments can’t be avoided. Does your job put you on the floor of a loud manufacturing plant? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. But be sure to wear the appropriate protection for your hearing. A perfect illustration would be earmuffs and earplugs.
The damage to your hearing from loud noises will develop slowly. So if you’ve been to a noisy event, you may 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 specialist.
Step #3: If You Have Any Hearing Impairment – Have it Addressed
Generally speaking, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the earlier you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent additional damage. That’s why treatment is incredibly important in terms of decreasing hearing loss. Your hearing will be at the greatest advantage if you seek out and follow through on effective treatment.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by using hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will stop you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also stop further decline of your hearing.
- Our guidance will help you learn to safeguard your hearing because it is customized and personalized for you.
- The chance of developing hearing loss related health issues is diminished by using hearing aids because they prevent social isolation and brain strain.
You Will be Benefited in The Future by Decreasing Hearing Loss
While it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, getting treatment for your hearing loss will help stop additional damage. In many situations, hearing aids are one of the primary ways to accomplish that. The correct treatment will help you preserve your present level of hearing and prevent it from worsening.
When you wear hearing protection, engage in good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment, you’re taking the appropriate measures to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the future.