The first thing to do, when you start to identify that you have hearing loss, is to prevent further damage. There are, in fact, some straightforward steps you can take to protect your hearing and minimize further hearing loss.
Step 1: Clean Your Ears
Remember learning to make sure 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 concerned with keeping clean in terms of hearing health, not behind the ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax accumulation can help your hearing in several different ways:
- Earwax buildup also interferes with the functionality of your hearing aid if you have one. This might make it seem as though your hearing is getting worse.
- Sound can be blocked from getting into the inner ear when there’s too much wax buildup. This diminishes your ability to hear.
- Your brain and ability to interpret sound will ultimately be affected by neglected hearing loss.
- Your ability to hear 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 come back.
If you find earwax accumulation, it’s definitely not suggested that you dig around in there with a cotton swab. Further damage can be caused by cotton swabs and they will frequently make it even harder to hear. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one should almost be left off the list it’s so intuitive. But identifying how loud is too loud is the real issue for most people. For example, highway driving can be loud enough to damage your hearing over a long time period. Also, surprisingly, your lawn mower can take a toll on your hearing. As you can tell, it isn’t just blaring speakers or loud rock concerts that damage your ears.
Here are some ways to stay away from damaging noise:
- When volume levels get too high, an app on your phone can warn you of that.
- Using hearing protection when loud environments are unavoidable. Does your job put you on the floor of a loud manufacturing plant? Going to see a rock concert? That’s great. But be sure to use the appropriate protection for your hearing. Contemporary earplugs and earmuffs provide abundant protection.
- When you’re watching videos or listening to music keep your headphone volume at a manageable volume. When dangerous levels are being reached, most phones feature a built in warning.
The damage to your hearing from loud sounds will develop gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a noisy 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
Generally speaking, hearing impairment is cumulative. So, the earlier you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be able to prevent additional damage. That’s why getting treated is tremendously important when it comes to stopping hearing loss. Your hearing will be at the greatest advantage if you find and follow through on effective treatment.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by wearing hearing aids. Hearing aids will, for example, let you listen to the TV or music at a lower volume, preventing damage. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also stop further degeneration of your hearing.
- Hearing aids minimize the brain strain and social solitude that worsen hearing loss-related health issues.
- Our advice will help you learn to protect your hearing because it is customized and personalized for you.
You Will be Benefited in The Long Run by Decreasing Hearing Loss
Even though we can’t cure hearing loss, additional damage can be avoided with treatment. One of the principal ways to do that, in many situations, is hearing aids. The appropriate treatment will help you preserve your current level of hearing and prevent it from getting worse.
When you use hearing protection, engage in good hygiene, and obtain hearing loss treatment, you’re taking the correct steps to minimize hearing loss while also giving yourself the best chance for healthy hearing in the future.