A Quick Guide to Protecting Your Hearing

It’s always important for you to be able to protect your hearing. Sometimes, you may feel as if this isn’t possible because your hearing is already at risk, but that’s incorrect. There are always circumstances for you to work on hearing protection that can help you stop your condition from worsening unnecessarily. Now, your hearing instrument specialist (HIS) can advise you specifically on what will help your own situation, but you will be able to find information below.

Avoid loud noises

To start with, you’ll find that one of the most important parts of hearing protection is being careful around loud noises. Of course, not all kinds of hearing loss can be prevented – especially as you age. But you can work on protecting yourself around loud noise in order to slow down your hearing loss.
 
Ideally, you’ll keep away from loud noises where you can. In any situation where you have to raise your voice, can’t hear what others are saying or your ears hurt, you’re experiencing loud noise. Where possible, it’s best to stay away from situations like this for the sake of your hearing.

Manage noise at home

Next, you’re going to want to ensure that you can manage noises that you hear around the home. This means being aware of important noises that can happen around the home, such as the hair dryer or even lawn mowers in the distance.
 
Where possible, you’re going to want to avoid doing loud jobs like DIY with power tools or out in the garden. If you are to do these activities, then wearing the proper protective headwear such as ear defenders can be important here.
 
It’s also a good idea to ensure that your home is as insulated as possible to help absorb the sound, such as with carpeting and soft furnishings.

Protect your ears while swimming

If you’re a swimmer or enjoy spending time in water, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re protecting your ears. It’s important to avoid getting water in your ears, whether this is cold water or rough waters. Using a set of custom swimming ear plugs can help you here.

Protect yourself at events and gatherings

One of the worst places that you can damage your hearing at is big gatherings and events. And it’s important to take your hearing protection seriously here. Your hearing instrument specialist will always advise you to be careful in these situations.
 
Where loud music is played or there are crowds, such as music events or sporting events, try to avoid being near big speakers. If you can, take a break from noise regularly. You may even want to consider wearing earplugs to keep your ears protected.

Be extra careful at work

If you work in a noisy area, you’re going to want to ensure that you’re keeping your hearing safe. After all, you’re at work for a large part of the day and hearing protection is incredibly important here. It will be helpful to speak to your hearing instrument specialist about the best solutions, but wearing protective equipment can be important for you. If you can get hearing checks through work, that could also be a good idea. And if you are concerned, speak to your HIS.

Proper ear care

You’ll also want to make sure that you are looking after your ears properly. This always begin by not poking anything into your ear canals as this can make matters worse. It’s important to make sure that you’re communicating with your HIS regularly to discuss your hearing loss and stay on top of it. And always let them know of any hearing changes so they can provide you with the best possible care.

Suitable ear protection

From here, you’re going to want to make sure that you are using the right ear protection. Speaking to a qualified hearing instrument specialist can help here, but it’s also a good idea to know what protections there are. This can include using soundproofing ear plugs or ear defenders depending on your situation.

Get a hearing test

If you’re really concerned about your hearing and you’re interested in hearing protection, it’s important to work with your HIS and get a test. Having the right hearing aid can be important for you here too. So be sure to speak to your specialist and get the best advice.

You can learn more about Niagara Hearing and Speech Clinic and how we can help your hearing by calling us today at  (855) 797-8002.