People often think that the only hearing-related issue is hearing loss, but this isn’t the case. Take tinnitus, for instance. This is something that around 20% of Americans experience. Tinnitus isn’t a condition on its own; it’s a symptom of an underlying condition, most commonly, ear damage. Usually, people develop tinnitus after having been exposed to loud noises for a long period of time. Once they have it, they’ll hear a ringing or buzzing noise in their ears, even when the external environment is silent.
The good news is that there are ways to prevent tinnitus from developing in the first place, such as by investing in hearing protection. This can also help to prevent tinnitus from becoming worse. In this blog, we’ll look at how hearing protection helps to prevent tinnitus, as well as offer other tips that’ll keep it at bay.
How Hearing Protection Prevents Tinnitus
Tinnitus usually occurs because of exposure to loud noise. This can happen as a result of long-term exposure to loud noise or following exposure to one extremely loud noise. The loud noise causes damage to the ear. Hearing protection helps to muffle external sounds. Rather than getting all the noise vibration going directly into your ear, the sound is absorbed by the hearing protection that you’re wearing.
Getting Hearing Protection
If you’re routinely exposed to loud noise, then it’ll be important to invest in hearing protection. This will help to prevent the onset of tinnitus. The most common type of hearing protection are earplugs and earmuffs, both of which can be highly effective. Depending on the type of noise you’re trying to block, one option may be better than the other. For instance, if you’re a musician, then earplugs may be better. If you’re working in a loud factory, then earmuffs may be the way to go.
Other Ways to Prevent Tinnitus
The most effective way to prefer tinnitus is to avoid loud noise in the first place. Some people develop tinnitus over a long period due to listening to music at a high volume, for instance. It would be much safer to turn the music down. If you find you struggle to hear the music because of ambient noise, then look at investing in noise-canceling headphones. They’ll ensure that you get to hear the music without having to turn it up to a dangerously high level.
Talking With an Audiologist
If you think you have tinnitus or any other hearing-related issue, then it’ll be important to make an appointment with an audiologist. They’ll be able to analyze the extent of the hearing damage, and also provide you with some treatment options. This could take the form of preventive measures such as hearing protection or may involve lifestyle adjustment tips. If you have hearing loss, then they’ll work with you to find the hearing aid that’s right for you, be it a behind-the-ear, in-the-canal or in-the-ear hearing aid.
