Generally, when you’re first notice hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is try to control the damage. There are, in fact, some simple measures you can take to safeguard your ears 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 cleaning when it comes to hearing health, not behind the ears.
There are multiple ways that keeping your ears clear of wax can assist your hearing:
- Your brain and ability to interpret sound will inevitably be affected by untreated hearing loss.
- Untidy ears raise your odds of developing an ear infection, which leads to inflammation that (when severe enough) impedes your hearing. Your hearing will go back to normal after the ear infection clears.
- Sound can be blocked from reaching the inner ear when there’s too much wax accumulation. This reduces your ability to hear.
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax buildup can hinder its function as well. You might end up thinking that your hearing is going downhill because of this.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s definitely not advisable that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. In most instances, 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 instinctive it almost shouldn’t be on the list. The issue is that most individuals aren’t entirely certain what a “loud noise” actually is. Over a long time period, for example, your hearing can be damaged by driving on a busy freeway. Also, surprisingly, your lawn mower can take a toll on your ears. As you can see, it’s not just blasting speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears.
Some useful ways to stay away from harmful noises include:
- When you’re listening to music or watching videos keep your headphone volume at a manageable level. When dangerous volumes are being approached, most phones have a built in warning.
- Making use of an app on your phone to alert you when volume levels reach dangerous levels.
- When you can’t steer clear of noisy settings, use hearing protection. Does your job put you on the floor of a loud manufacturing plant? Going to see a rock concert? That’s cool. Just wear the correct hearing protection. A perfect illustration would be earmuffs and earplugs.
Damage to the ears from noise doesn’t develop all of a sudden, it progresses gradually. So if you’ve been to a noisy event, you may have done damage even if you don’t realize it. You can only get a clean bill of health for your ears by a hearing professional.
Step #3: Treat Any Hearing Loss You Might Have
Generally speaking, hearing impairment is cumulative. So catching any damage early will help prevent added injury. So in terms of slowing down hearing loss, treatment is so essential. Your hearing will be at the greatest advantage if you seek out and follow through on practical treatment.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Our guidance will help you learn to safeguard your hearing because it is customized and personalized for you.
- Hearing aids prevent the brain strain and social solitude that exacerbate hearing loss-related health issues.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by using hearing aids. Hearing aids will, for instance, let you listen to music or the TV at a lower volume, preventing damage. Hearing aids will counter additional degeneration of your hearing by preventing this damage.
Decreasing Hearing Impairment Will Benefit You in The Future
Although we can’t cure hearing loss, further damage can be avoided with treatment. One of the main ways to do that, in many instances, is hearing aids. Getting the proper treatment will not only prevent additional damage but also keep your present hearing level intact.
When you use hearing protection, practice good hygiene, and obtain hearing loss treatment, you’re taking the correct measures to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the years to come.