Try These Three Basic Steps to Limit Hearing Loss

Woman with hearing loss touching her ear and thinking about preventing further loss.

Typically, when you’re confronted with hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you should do is try to minimize the damage. After all, you can take some simple steps to prevent additional damage and protect your ears.

Step 1: Keep Your Ears Clean

Remember learning to make sure you clean behind your ears when you learned basic hygiene (or at least should have learned). When it comes to hearing health, however, we’re not worried about the areas behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.

Keeping your ears clear of wax buildup can help your hearing in many different ways:

  • Your brain and ability to decipher sound will inevitably be impacted by neglected hearing loss.
  • When wax accumulation becomes significant, it can stop sound from getting into your inner ear. Consequently, your ability to hear becomes weakened.
  • Unkempt ears increase your chances of developing an ear infection, which causes inflammation that (when severe enough) impedes your ability to hear. When your ear infection clears, your regular hearing will usually return.
  • If you use a hearing aid, earwax accumulation can hinder its function also. You may end up thinking that your hearing is going downhill because of this.

You never turn to using a cotton swab to try and dig out built up earwax. In most cases, a cotton swab will worsen the situation or cause additional damage. Over the counter ear drops are a better opinion.

Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises

This one is so instinctive it almost shouldn’t be listed. The issue is that most people are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. As an example, highway driving can be loud enough to damage your ears over a long time period. Also, believe it or not, your lawn mower can take a toll on your ears. Obviously, it’s more than rock concerts or loud speakers that cause hearing damage.

Here are a few ways to avoid damaging noise:

  • When volume levels get too high, an app on your phone can notify you of that.
  • Using ear protection when loud environments are unavoidable. Do you work on a loud factory floor? Do you really want to attend that rock concert? That’s cool. Just wear the correct 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 volume. Most phones feature built-in alerts when you’re nearing a dangerous level.

The damage to your ears from loud sounds will develop gradually. So, even if your hearing “feels” okay after a loud event, that doesn’t mean it is. You can only get a clean bill of health for your ears by a hearing specialist.

Step #3: If You Have Any Hearing Loss – Get it Addressed

Hearing impairment accumulates most of the time. So recognizing any damage early will help prevent added injury. So when it comes to stopping hearing loss, treatment is so essential. Effective treatments (on which you follow through) will leave your hearing in the best possible shape.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Some, but not all damage can be prevented by wearing hearing aids. Hearing aids will, for example, allow you to listen to the TV or music at a lower volume, preventing damage. Because hearing aids counter this damage, they can also stop further degeneration of your hearing.
  • Our advice will help you learn to safeguard your hearing because it is customized and personalized for you.
  • Hearing aids stop the brain strain and social isolation that worsen hearing loss-related health problems.

Decreasing Hearing Impairment Will Benefit You in The Future

Although it’s true that hearing loss can’t be cured, getting treatment for your hearing loss will help prevent further damage. In many instances, hearing aids are one of the main ways to achieve that. Getting the correct treatment will not only stop additional damage but also keep your current hearing level intact.

Your giving yourself the best possibility for healthy hearing into the future by wearing ear protection, getting the appropriate treatment, and exercising good hearing hygiene.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.