The first thing to do, when you start to recognize that you have hearing loss, is to eliminate further damage. There are, after all, some simple measures you can take to protect your hearing and limit further hearing loss.
Step 1: Clean Your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those initial hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? When it comes to hearing health, however, we’re not worried about the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can help your hearing in many different ways:
- Your brain and ability to decipher sound will ultimately be affected by untreated hearing loss.
- Untidy ears increase your odds of developing an ear infection, which leads to inflammation that (when severe enough) impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your normal hearing will usually come back.
- Sound can be blocked from getting into the inner ear when there’s too much wax buildup. Consequently, your hearing becomes weakened.
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax buildup can hinder its function as well. This might make it seem like your hearing is getting worse.
You never turn to using a cotton swab to attempt to dig out excess earwax. Further damage can be caused by cotton swabs and they will frequently worsen your ability to hear. Alternatively, 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 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 highway. Also, believe it or not, your lawn mower can take a toll on your ears. Obviously, it’s more than rock concerts or high volume speakers that cause hearing damage.
Some practical ways to avoid damaging noises include:
- Refraining from cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re listening to music or watching videos. When hazardous levels are being approached, most phones feature a built in warning.
- Using ear protection when noisy environments are unavoidable. Does your job put you on the floor of a noisy manufacturing plant? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s cool. Just use the correct ear protection. A perfect illustration would be earplugs or earmuffs.
- When volume levels get too high, an app on your phone can notify you of that.
Damage to the ears from noise doesn’t happen abruptly, it progresses slowly. So if you’ve been to a loud event, you might have done damage even if you don’t detect it. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Step #3: Treat Any Hearing Impairment You Might Have
Hearing loss accumulates generally speaking. So, the sooner you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent additional damage. That’s why treatment is tremendously important in terms of stopping hearing loss. Effective treatments (that you follow through with) will leave your hearing in the best possible shape.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. Hearing aids will, for instance, let you listen to music or the TV at a lower volume, avoiding damage. Hearing aids will counter further deterioration of your hearing by stopping this damage.
- Our guidance will help you learn to protect your hearing because it is customized and personalized for you.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.
Decreasing Hearing Impairment Will Benefit You in The Future
Although we can’t cure hearing loss, additional damage can be prevented with treatment. In many situations, hearing aids are one of the top ways to achieve that. Getting the proper treatment will not only prevent additional damage but also keep your present hearing level intact.
When you wear hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment, you’re taking the correct steps to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the future.