Normally, 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, after all, some simple measures you can take to safeguard your hearing and minimize further hearing loss.
Step 1: Clean Your Ears
Remember learning to be certain you clean behind your ears when you learned basic hygiene (or at least should have learned). With regards to hearing health, though, we’re not worried about the space behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears free of wax buildup can help your hearing in several distinctive ways:
- Unkempt ears increase your odds of getting an ear infection, which causes inflammation that (when serious enough) impedes your hearing. Your hearing will return to normal after the ear infection clears.
- In the long run, neglected hearing loss can impact your brain and your ability to decipher sounds.
- When wax buildup becomes substantial, it can prevent sound from getting into your inner ear. This diminishes your ability to hear.
- Earwax buildup also inhibits the functionality of your hearing aid if you use one. This may make it seem as though your hearing is getting worse.
You never resort to using a cotton swab to attempt to dig out built up earwax. Further damage can be caused by cotton swabs and they will often worsen your ability to hear. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one should almost be left off the list it’s so intuitive. The problem is that most individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. For example, highway driving can be loud enough to damage your hearing over a long time period. The motor on your lawnmower can be fairly taxing on your ears, also. As you can see, it’s not just blasting speakers or loud rock concerts that harm your ears.
Here are a few ways to avoid damaging noise:
- When decibel levels get too loud, an app on your phone can alert you of that.
- Staying away from cranking the volume up on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. Most phones include built-in warnings when you’re nearing a dangerous threshold.
- When you can’t steer clear of noisy settings, wear hearing protection. Does your job put you on the floor of a noisy manufacturing plant? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s great. Just wear the necessary ear protection. Modern earplugs and earmuffs provide ample protection.
The damage to your hearing from loud noises will build up gradually. So if you’ve been to a noisy event, you might have done damage even if you don’t notice it. Only a hearing professional can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Step #3: Treat Any Hearing Loss You May Have
Hearing impairment accumulates generally speaking. So, the sooner you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be capable of preventing additional damage. That’s why treatment is tremendously important when it comes to decreasing hearing loss. Practical treatments (that you follow through with) will keep your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by wearing hearing aids. Hearing aids will, for instance, let you listen to the TV or music at a lower volume, avoiding damage. Hearing aids will prevent additional deterioration of your hearing by stopping this damage.
- The chance of developing hearing loss related health problems is diminished by wearing hearing aids because they minimize social isolation and brain strain.
- Our advice 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 it’s true that there’s no cure for hearing loss, getting treatment for your hearing loss will help stop additional damage. In many cases, hearing aids are one of the main ways to accomplish that. Getting the correct treatment will not only prevent further damage but also keep your present hearing level intact.
When you use hearing protection, exercise good hygiene, and obtain hearing loss treatment, you’re taking the correct measures to limit hearing loss while also giving yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing in the years to come.