Generally, when you’re first notice hearing loss (no matter the type), the first thing you should do is attempt to control the damage. There are, after all, some straightforward measures you can take to protect 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 general hygiene (or at least should have learned). But it’s actually the inner ear we’re concerned with keeping clean in terms of hearing health, rather than behind the ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax accumulation can help your hearing in a number of different ways:
- Unkempt ears increase your odds of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that (when serious enough) impedes your hearing. When your ear infection goes away, your normal hearing will normally return.
- When wax buildup becomes severe, it can prevent sound from reaching your inner ear. This reduces your ability to hear.
- Earwax accumulation also interferes with the operation of your hearing aid if you use one. This may make it seem as if your hearing is getting worse.
- In the long run, untreated hearing loss can impact your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
You never turn to using a cotton swab to attempt to dig out excess earwax. In most cases, a cotton swab will worsen the situation or cause additional damage. Over the counter ear drops are a smarter decision.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one is so instinctive 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. Also, believe it or not, your lawn mower can take a toll on your ears. Clearly, it’s more than rock concerts or loud speakers that cause hearing damage.
Some practical ways to escape harmful noises include:
- Staying away from cranking up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. When dangerous levels are being approached, most phones come with a built in warning.
- When you can’t steer clear of noisy environments, wear hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Going to a rock concert? That’s great. Just use the correct hearing protection. Modern earplugs and earmuffs provide abundant protection.
- Using an app on your phone to warn you when volume levels reach unsafe thresholds.
Damage to the ears from noise doesn’t develop all of a sudden, it progresses gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. Only a hearing specialist can give your hearing a clean bill of health.
Step #3: Address Any Hearing Loss You May Have
Hearing impairment accumulates generally speaking. So, the earlier 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. Practical treatments (that you follow through with) will leave your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s what you can expect:
- The potential of developing hearing loss related health issues is reduced by using hearing aids because they prevent social solitude and brain strain.
- Some, but not all damage can be avoided by using hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking your television volume up so loud it harms your ears. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also prevent further deterioration of your hearing.
- Our guidance will help you learn to safeguard your hearing because it is customized and personalized for you.
Decreasing Hearing Impairment Will Benefit You in The Future
Even though we can’t cure hearing loss, further damage can be avoided with treatment. In many situations, hearing aids are one of the top ways to achieve that. Getting the necessary treatment will not only prevent additional damage but also keep your present hearing level in tact.
Your allowing yourself the best chance for healthy hearing into the future by using ear protection, getting the appropriate treatment, and practicing good hearing hygiene.
