How can You Stop Your Hearing Loss from Getting Worse?

Hearing loss is very common. It gradually occurs over time, and most people don’t notice the initial changes. The degree of hearing loss and stopping it from getting worse is best handled by using hearing aids. Hearing aids will preserve the hearing that you still have, and slow down the deterioration of your hearing health.  

Understanding Hearing Loss

Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, affects one in three Americans between the ages of 64 and 74. It is a gradual buildup of damage to the ears. Presbycusis begins at a slow pace and then worsens. 

Sound waves enter the ears and are intensified many times before reaching the inner ear. When it finally reaches the inner ear, the sound vibrates tiny hair cells known as cilia. This causes them to collide with structures that discharge chemicals to produce an electrical message that the brain translates as sound.           

Due to the frequent vibrations, the cilia will eventually stop working. When these hair cells are damaged by contact with very loud sounds, or aging, they cannot regrow. These hair cells create electrical impulses and allow the sound to be interpreted as a language that the brain can comprehend. 

Protect Your Hearing

Practicing proper hearing hygiene is important to protect your hearing health. Hearing loud volumes of sound can cause a lot of damage to the ears. This deterioration can be caused by a fairly low decibel. If you are surrounded by any sounds that require you to raise your voice in order to talk to someone nearby, that means the noise that you are hearing is too loud. 

It only takes a few minutes of loud noise exposure to have a damaging impact. Taking precautions when you expect to be exposed to loud noises is the best and easiest way to protect your hearing health. Always wear hearing protection when:

• Going to a live performance
• Riding a motorcycle or using a lawnmower
• Working with power tools
• Engaging in any loud activities

     
Refrain from using earbuds or headphones, which intensify and isolate sound.  

When Possible, Control Surrounding Noises

Your own house can become a dangerous hearing zone. Appliances, such as hair dryers or washing machines, are currently sold with noise ratings. Try your best to use appliances that emit lower levels of noise.

Let hosts at a party or restaurant know if music is playing too loudly. They will usually be more than willing to accommodate your needs. 

Be Aware of Noise Levels in the Workplace

Take precautions for your hearing health if you are exposed to loud noises while on the job. Voice your concerns about noise exposure. Get your own ear protection to wear, if your employer does not provide any for you. You can use:

• Earmuffs
• Earplugs
• Headphones

Refrain from Smoking 

Prioritizing your hearing health is just one of many reasons why you should not smoke. Research has shown that cigarette smokers have a higher risk of age-related hearing loss, and second-hand smoke can speed up the process of hearing loss.   

Take a Look at Your Medications

Medications that are known to cause damage to your ears are referred to as ototoxic. The most common ototoxic medications are:

• Antidepressants 
• Aspirin
• Some antibiotics
• Cardiac medications
• Diuretics
• Narcotic analgesics
• NSAIDs  

There are many more ototoxic medications, including prescription medication and over the counter drugs. It is advised to use pain relievers as a last resort. If you do need to use them, please consult your doctor to find out if they will further impair your hearing or general health. 

Eat Better and Exercise

Engaging in regular exercise and a healthy diet are great for your health in general, and also for your hearing health. If you suffer from high blood pressure, manage it by consuming less sodium and taking the prescribed medication to manage it. Taking care of your overall health will reduce the possibility of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, which can affect your hearing.

Get Hearing Aids

If you begin to notice any symptoms of hearing loss or tinnitus, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer an extensive assortment of hearing aids from top name brands. Hearing aids can help to preserve some of the hearing abilities that you still have, as long as you seek treatment immediately. If you wait too long to do something about your hearing, it will deteriorate and be more difficult to care for.  

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