The first thing to do, when you start to identify that you have hearing loss, is to prevent further damage. There are, after all, some straightforward steps you can take to safeguard your hearing and limit further hearing loss.
Step 1: Keep Your Ears Clean
Remember learning to be certain you clean behind your ears when you learned basic hygiene (or at least should have learned). But it’s actually the inner ear we’re worried about keeping clean in terms of hearing health, not behind the ears.
There are several ways that keeping your ears clear of wax can assist your hearing:
- Sound can be blocked from getting into the inner ear when there’s too much wax accumulation. This diminishes your ability to hear.
- Over time, neglected hearing loss can impact your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- Your hearing can also be interfered with if you get a serious ear infection which can also be a result of dirty ears. Your hearing will return to normal after the ear infection clears.
- Earwax buildup also inhibits the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This could make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
You never turn to the use of a cotton swab to try and dig out built up earwax. In most cases, a cotton swab will make things worse or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one is so obvious it almost shouldn’t be on the list. But determining how loud is too loud is the real issue for most people. For instance, freeway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long time period. Also, surprisingly, your lawn mower can take a toll on your hearing. Obviously, it’s more than rock concerts or high volume speakers that cause hearing loss.
Here are a few ways to avoid damaging noise:
- When decibel levels get too loud, an app on your phone can warn you of that.
- When you can’t steer clear of noisy settings, use hearing protection. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to go to that rock concert? That’s fun. Just wear the required ear protection. A perfect example would be earplugs or earmuffs.
- When you’re listening to music or watching videos keep your headphone volume at a manageable level. When harmful levels are being reached, most phones come with a built in warning.
The damage to your hearing from loud noises will develop gradually. So if you’ve attended a noisy event, you might have done damage even if you don’t notice it. Only a hearing specialist can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Step #3: If You Have Any Hearing Loss – Have it Treated
In general, hearing impairment is cumulative. So recognizing any damage early will go a long way to preventing added injury. So when it comes to slowing down hearing loss, treatment is so essential. Practical treatments (on which you follow through) will keep your hearing in the best possible shape.
Here’s what you can expect:
- The potential of developing hearing loss related health problems is reduced by using hearing aids because they minimize social isolation and brain strain.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by wearing hearing aids. Hearing aids will, for instance, let you listen to the TV or music at a lower volume, preventing damage. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also stop further decline of your hearing.
- We can give personalized instructions and advice to help you avoid further damage to your ears.
You Will be Benefited in The Long Run by Limiting Hearing Loss
Although we don’t have a cure for hearing loss, further damage can be prevented with treatment. One of the principal ways to do that, in many cases, is hearing aids. Getting the necessary treatment will not only prevent additional damage but also keep your present hearing level in tact.
When you use hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and pursue hearing loss treatment, you’re taking the appropriate measures to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come.