Minimize Hearing Loss With These Three Basic Steps

Experienced by as many as one in eight people across age groups, hearing loss is a generally irreversible condition that involves either genetic deterioration or damage to vital parts of the inner ear. Unfortunately, the label of irreversible means that this issue is often brushed under the carpet, either as a result of fear or under the false assumption that nothing can be done. This belief can prove incredibly damaging for both the deterioration of hearing health in general and the development of secondary conditions that studies have found to include dementia and depression. 

In reality, though, there’s no need for individuals to experience silence. Reversible or not, it is possible to minimize and delay hearing loss in some surprisingly simple ways. This can help to keep your health in check regardless of the damage or hearing struggles that you’ve faced until now and can prove especially vital for keeping happiness and general health on track. Here, we consider just the three of the ways to make sure of that.

Avoid Loud Noises Where You Can

While not all hearing loss is noise-induced, studies have shown that even short exposure to loud noises can significantly worsen this problem. That’s why individuals already experiencing signs of hearing loss could significantly benefit from avoiding loud noises as much as possible to protect their hearing as it stands.

World Health Organization (WHO) have especially identified a healthy hearing range at around 70 decibels (dB), where even ongoing exposure hasn’t generally been found to cause further damage. For reference, a standard conversation happens at around 60dB, meaning that avoiding things like loud music and heavy machinery, as well as making sure never to listen to earbuds louder than around 50% of your device’s volume, can make a huge difference.

Even if loud sounds in your workplace or similar seem unavoidable, making sure to take a five-minute break at least once an hour can still prove useful for the reduction of noise exposure, and the improved protection of your hearing health overall. 

Use Ear Protection

Everyone can benefit from using well-fitting ear protection in environments like the workplace, public spaces and particularly loud concerts where sounds are known to reach as high as 120dB. However, ear protections including headphones, earplugs and ear defenders become even more crucial for individuals already noticing problems with hearing health, providing an added layer of protection for even unexpected or unavoidable noises. 

Perhaps the main thing to note when it comes to these solutions, particularly in-ear buds that have the potential to cause further damage, is that quality, well-fitting solutions are vital for safe and complete hearing protection. At the very least, this means buying from trusted companies with positive reviews and custom designs.

If you’re still worried that you might struggle to find the ideal fit, bear in mind that most audiologists provide custom-made ear protections including specialist earplugs for musicians and beyond. Seeking this service ensures that you can best guarantee the perfect fit, the right solution for your needs and the most comprehensive possible protection against further hearing damage. 

Seek Treatment Fast

Outside of avoidance and protection, it’s also vital to note that, for the most part, minimizing hearing loss relies on professional treatment from an audiologist as soon as you notice a change. This expert oversight is the best possible option for addressing the hearing loss you’ve already experienced, as well as taking proactive steps to keep further damage at bay.

Treatment options like hearing aids are also imperative for minimizing the impact of hearing loss on your life overall, especially when custom-made and expertly fitted to your unique requirements. 

The earlier you seek treatment of this nature, the better able you’ll be to minimize both hearing loss and its impact, meaning that it’s vital you seek expert help and assessment the moment you notice hearing loss warning signs that may include:

• Ringing in the ears
• Difficulty following conversations
• Having to turn up the volume on your devices
• Inability to hear certain frequencies
• Words that sound muffled or inaudible

Let Us Help to Minimize Your Hearing Loss Today

Hearing loss might be irreversible in many cases, but that doesn’t mean you have to experience silence. Instead, taking proactive steps to minimize hearing loss and protect against its progression can see you enjoying life just like you used to. Let our trained audiologists help you on that journey by contacting Associated Specialists in Hearing Disorders & Hearing Aid at (951) 778-0181 today.