4 Tips To Help Prevent Loss Of Hearing
It doesn't matter how old you are, it's possible to lose your hearing. It is for that reason that you should do whatever you can do prevent hearing loss from happening. More often than not, hearing loss occurs for one of two reasons: age and noise. Luckily, there are steps that you can take to reduce the risk of noise-induced loss of hearing and keep hearing loss related to age from worsening.
Tip #1: Avoid Excessive Noise
When it comes to hearing loss associated with noise, it is 100 percent preventable. One of the best ways to determine if the noise that is around you can potentially damage your hearing is to see if you must shout over the noise for someone to hear you talk. Sounds from speakers, headphones, motorcycles, and even power tools can cause damage to your ears. When looking at devices and appliances, look for ones with low noise ratings while also limiting loud sounds around you.
Tip #2: Wear Hearing Protection
If you plan on being around excessive noise, make sure that you are wearing proper ear protection like earmuffs or earplugs. Depending on the situation, you may want to wear both of them. Together, these can help to reduce noise by as much as 35 decibels. To ensure that the earplugs are comfortable to wear, consider custom-molded earplugs.
Tip #3: Correctly Remove Earwax
When wax builds up in the ears, it can make it incredibly difficult to hear. However, did you know that there is a right and a wrong way to remove that built up earwax? It isn't recommended to use a cotton swab—or any other type of item like a bobby pin—to remove the earwax. Instead, it is recommended to use an irritation kit. This kit will soften the earwax and wash it out gently. Alternatively, a doctor can safely remove the earwax if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.
Tip #4: Schedule Routine Hearing Exams
The most effective way to prevent unnecessary hearing loss is to undergo routine hearing tests. Routine testing is particularly beneficial if hearing loss in your family is hereditary, you are regularly around loud noises, you have difficulty hearing others talk, or you frequently hear ringing in your ears. There may be an underlying medical issue at play, and it may be time to consider some kind of hearing treatment such as a hearing aid.
For more information about preventing hearing loss or how hearing aids may be able to help restore hearing that you have already lost, contact a doctor, like those at Waters ENT Sinus & Allergy.
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