When it comes to hearing loss, substantial attention is given to the possible methods of preventing the condition from occurring before any worrying symptoms or complications. However, due to modern ways of life and an increasingly aging population, the likelihood is that a greater number of people will suffer from hearing impairment every year.
Depending on the type and degree of a diagnosed hearing loss, the use of a hearing aid may be recommended alongside changes in your lifestyle. In addition, it is important to be aware of the possible ways to prevent compromising hearing yet further.
First, you should seek a detailed explanation of your hearing audiogram from your audiologist, so that you know the type of hearing loss you suffer from, the reasons behind it and its current levels and peculiarities. This should then be supported by regular checks to ensure that any changes in the condition are accounted for. It is also advisable to keep a full and detailed record of the complaints and symptoms. Furthermore, you can try to adopt some of the following healthy practices in your everyday life:
- Constantly follow the levels of noise you have to endure and if necessary wear appropriate protection, such as earplugs. Increasing the volume of the TV may probably help you hear a little bit better for the time being but in the long term may worsen your hearing. Make sure your hearing aid is correctly adjusted. If you experience any discomfort and sounds seem too loud, contact your hearing aid specialist in order to guarantee that your device does not amplify them more than necessary.
- Wearing your hearing aid every day and not just on special occasions may also help you fight hearing loss progression. With the hearing aid, your ears will have to process a greater number and variety of sounds, which will stimulate them to stay active along with maintaining auditory nerve and brain activity.
- If you use any medications, it is advisable to notify your audiologist to check whether they are ototoxic. In some cases their use might be a cause for hearing loss or its progression, your doctor will decide if it is necessary to redirect you to a relevant health specialist who can prescribe an alternative considering your hearing problems
- Maintain good ear hygiene, especially if you wear a hearing aid. Its use might cause irritation and swelling of the outer ear and the ear canal. The excessive formation of earwax can also aggravate the condition because it may prevent the sound waves from being transmitted properly.
- Following a healthy regime and diet may also be beneficial for your hearing, as it will decrease your chances of suffering from diseases that are known to cause hearing loss, for example diabetes. Smoking, along with its other detrimental health effects, is also known to be related to hearing problems and their progression.
