How Can I Protect My Hearing From Getting Worse?

Though they’re something you may not think of often, your ears are essential to your body and life. These body parts are critical in communication, which is why hearing loss affects many different aspects of your life. Ears are delicate, and taking care of them early on is essential. If you're already experiencing hearing loss, it’s even more critical to provide the proper care. You may wonder, “How can I protect my hearing from worsening?”

How Can I Protect My Hearing in Loud Environments?

Prolonged exposure to loud noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Noise levels of 85 decibels or higher can be especially harmful, causing temporary or permanent damage to your hearing. Avoiding loud music, machinery noise, gunshots and loud environments is an excellent way to protect your hearing. If you have to be around prolonged, loud noise, you can use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to protect your ears. To protect them even further, hearing aids may help regulate noise and reduce ear strain.

How Can My Hygiene Habits Affect My Hearing Loss?

Many people have a bad habit of putting things inside of their ears. You should never put objects into your ears, even to scratch an itch or clean the inside. For example, don’t put your fingers, cotton swabs, pens, sticks, or any other object inside your ear. Your doctor will tell you that there are practically no exceptions to this rule. The inner ear is fragile, and one slight wrong move could damage your hearing.

How Can I Protect My Hearing When Taking Medication?

According to experts, ototoxic drugs can damage the ear. One of the early signs of ototoxicity is tinnitus or ringing in your ears. If something you are taking causes ototoxicity, ask your doctor for alternative medications.

How Can I Prevent Earwax Buildup From Causing Hearing Loss?

If you have earwax buildup, that could be making your hearing worse. Speak with your doctor or hearing specialist if you have built up cerumen. The ear naturally pushes out excess wax, but when this doesn't happen, you should never try to unclog your ear at home with liquids or cotton swabs. It’s too easy to get an infection or tear in your inner ear, which could cause hearing loss.

How Can I Know if I’m Protecting My Hearing Adequately?

Having your hearing frequently checked by an audiologist will help you know if your hearing is worsening. Your hearing specialist will help you care for your hearing, especially if you suffer from diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure or other conditions that can contribute to hearing loss. A hearing test will check that all is well or tell you if you need hearing aids.

How Can I Further Protect My Hearing?

Taking care of your ears is vital to avoid hearing loss. Following these tips, you will no longer have to wonder, “How can I protect my hearing?” If your hearing loss is already at a point where you need hearing assistance, contact us today to learn about hearing aid options. You can also try our Atom or Atom Pro hearing aids risk free for 45 days. 

https://audienhearing.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/ototoxic-medications/

https://audienhearing.com/collections/rechargeable-hearing-aids