Prevent Hearing Loss
Whether you have normal hearing today, or you’re already suffering from mild hearing loss, there are things you can do to minimize your risk for greater hearing problems in the future.
Avoid Harmful Noises
Exposure to loud noises is actually the main cause for hearing loss and it is 100% preventable.
- If you work in an occupation with high noise level, check with your employer to ensure you have adequately protected your hearing according to OH&S regulations.
- Wear ear protections like earplugs or earmuffs when using loud equipment (angle grinder, lawn mower, chainsaw etc.) or when involved in noisy recreational activities (concerts, sporting events, etc.).
- Turn down the volume on the computer, TV, radio, personal music players etc. at home.
- Buy quieter products by comparing their dB (decibel) ratings.
- Reduce the number of noisy appliances running simultaneously in your surrounding.
When you take care when dealing with loud noises, your ears can go a really long way.
Don’t Stick Foreign Objects Into Your Ears
Never ever use cotton buds, hairpins or other sharp objects to scratch your ear or dislodge wax, as these things can do damage to the workings of your ear and ultimately to your hearing.
In majority of the cases, the ear canal actually does not need to be cleaned. When taking shower or washing hair, a little water is all it takes to get in our ears to loosen the wax. The wax just falls out naturally!
Get Regular Hearing Check-ups
Many people are unaware that they have hearing loss because, most of the time, it happens so gradually and they get used to it. It might be easy to increase the volume of the TV or radio ever so slightly, but it is not so easy for family and friends to speak louder and louder gradually. That is why everyone should get their hearing checked yearly for your audiologist to identify any early signs and prepare for future issues.
Visit us for a hearing test if you are feeling uncertain about your ability to hear.