3 Ways to Support Your Hearing Health

Your hearing is very important, but it is something that often taken for granted until there’s you begin to experience hearing loss. 

If you notice some of the symptoms of hearing loss such as needing to turn up the TV or radio or not being able to hear normal conversations. Some people also experience a ringing in their ears known as tinnitus. 

Many people think that hearing loss is just a natural part of the aging process, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Some hearing loss is the result of a medical condition or an injury but in many instances, changes can be noise-related, meaning that the structures of the ear are affected by a sudden loud noise or being in an environment that is noisy for a long period of time. Perhaps you work around machinery or play in a band. 

Like other aspects of your health, you need to take care of your hearing throughout your life. It makes a huge difference to the quality of hearing over your lifetime. The audiologists at Adirondack audiology have come up with the top three ways to support your hearing health to ensure you keep your hearing in top shape. 

Visit Your Audiologist Regularly 

You wouldn’t think twice about getting an annual physical and eye test or visiting the dentist for a check-up. You need to treat your hearing with the same care too. Regularly visiting your audiologist can identify any deterioration in your hearing at an early stage, allowing them to fit you with any customized hearing aids you might need to improve the quality of your hearing. 

Your audiologist can also identify any issues that may need a referral for medical treatment, often catching these sooner than would usually have been the case. They can also professionally remove any wax that might be building up, affecting your hearing and causing hearing loss. Get to know your audiologist as you would your primary care provider, they will play a very important role in your health. 

Go Easy on the Ear Cleaning

Having clean ears is great for the quality of your hearing. A build-up of wax can feel uncomfortable and lead to other issues. But there is a wrong way to clean your ears. Overuse of cotton swabs can cause actual damage the delicate tissues of the inner ear. It can also push the wax further back into the ear, making it more difficult to remove and causing hearing loss. 

You should never put anything into your inner ear. To keep your ears clean, use ear drops to soften any wax. When you shower, use a soft washcloth to remove any visible wax in the outer ear. 

If you think you have any wax building up, visit your audiologist for a professional ear cleaning rather than trying to do it yourself. They will be able to use the latest techniques and equipment to loosen and remove any way build up safely. You will generally notice a difference in your hearing levels straight away. 

Use Hearing Protection

Every day, we’re exposed to noise. This can be low-level background noise or loud noises in the workplace, socializing or as a hobby. Unlike other forms of hearing loss, hearing-based hearing loss can be prevented by reducing your exposure to noise and wearing the right kind of hearing protection. 

First, you need to assess the level of noise you’re exposed to, then talk to your audiologist about the right type of hearing protection for your circumstances. There are many different types of hearing protection, from reusable earplugs to over-the-ear protectors. Depending on the level of noise you’re exposed to, different types of hearing protection may be suitable. 

Even if you aren’t exposed to noise on a regular basis at work or as part of a hobby, it’s a good idea to have a set of custom-made earplugs made that you have access to if you find yourself in a loud situation such as a concert or fireworks display. You never know when you need them. 

Let Adirondack Audiology Take Care of Your Hearing

The team at Adirondack Audiology wants to help you and your family look after your hearing for a lifetime. We know that by taking care of your ear health, you can prevent many forms of hearing loss and enjoy the best level of hearing possible. Make an appointment with a member of the team today and let us show you how to look after your hearing. Call us today at (888) 347-5899.