Usually, when you’re first notice hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is try to minimize the damage. There are, in fact, some simple steps you can take to safeguard your ears and limit further hearing loss.
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? In terms of hearing health, however, we aren’t worried about the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
There are numerous ways that keeping your ears free from wax can assist your hearing:
- Sound can be blocked from getting into the inner ear when there’s too much wax buildup. Consequently, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
- Over time, neglected hearing loss can impact your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- If you use a hearing aid, earwax accumulation can hinder its function as well. This might make it seem as though your hearing is getting worse.
- Unkempt ears increase your odds of getting an ear infection, which leads to inflammation that (when severe enough) impedes your hearing. Your hearing will return to normal after the ear infection clears.
You never resort to using a cotton swab to try and dig out built up earwax. In most instances, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
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. For example, highway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long period of time. Your lawnmower motor can be fairly taxing on your ears, as well. Clearly, it’s more than rock concerts or high volume speakers that cause hearing impairment.
Some practical ways to avoid damaging noises include:
- Using hearing protection when noisy environments can’t be avoided. Does your job put you on the floor of a loud manufacturing plant? Going to a rock concert? That’s fun. Just use the required hearing protection. A perfect example would be earmuffs and earplugs.
- When you’re watching videos or listening to music keep the volume on your headphones at a manageable volume. Most phones have built-in alerts when you’re approaching a dangerous threshold.
- When decibel levels get too loud, an app on your phone can alert you of that.
Damage to the ears from noise doesn’t happen suddenly, it builds up gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a noisy event, it may not be. Only a hearing professional can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Step #3: Treat Any Hearing Impairment You Might Have
Generally speaking, hearing impairment is cumulative. So, the earlier you catch the damage, the better you’ll be capable of preventing additional damage. So when it comes to stopping hearing loss, treatment is so essential. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by using hearing aids. Hearing aids will, for instance, let you listen to the TV or music at a lower volume, preventing damage. Hearing aids will counter additional degeneration of your hearing by preventing this damage.
- We can give individualized instructions and advice to help you prevent further damage to your ears.
- The potential of developing hearing loss related health issues is diminished by wearing hearing aids because they minimize social solitude and brain strain.
Limiting Hearing Impairment Will Benefit You in The Long Run
While it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, getting treatment for your hearing loss will help stop additional damage. In many cases, hearing aids are one of the primary ways to accomplish that. Getting the proper treatment will not only stop further damage but also keep your current hearing level in tact.
When you wear hearing protection, engage in good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment, you’re taking the proper measures to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the future.
