Understanding Your Ear Health & Caring for Your Ears

ear health
3 min read
If you’re a customer of Elite Hearing Centers of America, you know how much we stress the importance of your hearing. What many people don’t realize is just how important it is to take care of your ear health. When we think about our hearing, most people think about our ears in terms of sound input and output, but there are so many more factors at play when it comes to caring for the delicate structures of the ear. Let’s dive into what you need to know about ear health and ear care.

Common Ear Problems and Conditions

The most common condition associated with hearing loss is age-related hearing loss. As we grow older, our hearing naturally starts to decline due to wear and tear on the structure of the ears over time (the name for this is presbycusis). Other common issues include tinnitus (ringing in one or both ears), otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear), swimmer’s ear (inflammation caused by water trapped inside the ear canal), and Meniere’s disease (a disorder involving the inner ear). All these can cause temporary or permanent damage to your hearing if left untreated.

What You Can Do to Prevent Hearing Loss
Prevention is key when it comes to protecting your ears from hearing loss. Here’s what you can do to prevent hearing loss and maintain your ears’ health.

Protect Yourself in Loud Environments
Loud sounds can cause permanent damage to your hearing over time, so it’s important to take precautions when exposed to loud noises. When listening to music, use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and keep the volume at an acceptable level (less than 60% of maximum). If you are working in a noisy environment, wear protective earmuffs or other sound-blocking devices. This will help protect your hearing from loud noises and reduce the risk of future hearing loss.

Take Care with Medications
Certain medications can have a negative effect on your hearing health. Before taking any medication, consult with your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects. Some medications may cause temporary hearing loss or ringing in the ears; others may cause permanent damage if taken long term or in high doses. Be sure to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor before taking any medication.

Protect Your Ears from Injury
Physical injury is another common cause of hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Always wear protective head gear when engaging in activities like cycling, skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and rock climbing. Additionally, avoid sticking anything into your ears (fingers, cotton swabs), as this can damage the delicate structures inside the ear canal and lead to permanent deafness. 

Visit a Professional Regularly for Checkups
It is important to ear health to visit an audiologist on a regular basis for checkups. Audiologists are specially trained in hearing-related conditions and treatments. In addition to offering hearing tests and ear cleaning, audiologists can diagnose and treat inner ear issues such as tinnitus, balance disorders, hearing loss, ear infections and many other ear-related conditions. Also, they offer preventative ear care, including providing referrals for specialized ear care if needed. By regularly visiting an audiologist for comprehensive yearly checkups you can rest assured that your ear health is in the best possible condition. Contact Elite Hearing Centers of America at 855-678-3234 to schedule hearing aid service!

Schedule Appointment

Contact us today to set up an appointment with a hearing specialist to discuss your hearing health