The first thing to do, when you begin to identify that you have hearing loss, is to prevent added damage. There are, after all, some straightforward measures you can take to protect your ears and limit further hearing loss.
Step 1: Keep Your Ears Clean
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 cleaning in terms of hearing health, not behind the ears.
There are several ways that keeping your ears free of wax can assist your hearing:
- Your hearing can also be interfered with if you get a serious ear infection which can also be a result of dirty ears. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will usually return.
- Your brain and ability to interpret sound will ultimately be affected by neglected hearing loss.
- Sound can be blocked from getting into the inner ear when there’s too much wax buildup. As a result, your ability to hear becomes diminished.
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This might make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
You never resort to using a cotton swab to try and dig out built up earwax. Added damage can be done by cotton swabs and they will often make it even harder to hear. Over the counter ear drops are a smarter decision.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one is so obvious it almost shouldn’t be listed. The problem is that most individuals aren’t entirely certain what a “loud noise” actually is. Over an extended time period, for instance, your ears can be damaged by driving on a busy freeway. The motor on your lawnmower can be fairly taxing on your ears, also. Clearly, it’s more than rock concerts or loud speakers that cause hearing damage.
Here are a few ways to avoid damaging noise:
- When you’re watching videos or listening to music keep your headphone volume at a manageable level. Most phones feature built-in warnings when you’re nearing a dangerous level.
- Utilizing an app on your phone to alert you when decibel levels get to hazardous thresholds.
- When you can’t avoid noisy environments, wear hearing protection. Does your job put you on the floor of a noisy manufacturing plant? Going to see a rock concert? That’s fun. Just wear the necessary hearing protection. Modern earplugs and earmuffs offer ample protection.
The damage to your ears from loud sounds will build up gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” good after a noisy event, that doesn’t mean it is. You can only get a clean bill of health for your ears by a hearing professional.
Step #3: If You Have Any Hearing Impairment – Get it Addressed
In general, hearing loss is cumulative. So, the sooner you catch the damage, the better you’ll be capable of preventing further damage. So in terms of stopping hearing loss, treatment is so essential. Your hearing will get the greatest benefit if you seek out and follow through on practical treatment.
Here’s what you can expect:
- 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 problems is diminished by using hearing aids because they minimize social solitude and brain strain.
- Hearing aids can prevent some, but not all, damage. Hearing aids will, for example, allow you to listen to music or the TV at a lower volume, preventing damage. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
Limiting Hearing Impairment Will Benefit You in The Long Run
Even though we can’t cure hearing loss, additional damage can be avoided with treatment. In many cases, hearing aids are one of the principal ways to accomplish that. Getting the correct treatment will not only prevent further damage but also keep your present hearing level intact.
Your allowing yourself the best possibility for healthy hearing into the future by using ear protection, getting the appropriate treatment, and exercising good hearing hygiene.