You’ve noticed a little hearing loss lately, so is there anything you can do to fix that – like now? Hearing loss is usually a progressive condition, so there are really no quick permanent fixes. This is especially true when the hearing loss is associated with aging.
So, what can you do to improve your hearing for that special night out or the upcoming big meeting? There are a few tricks you try to enhance your hearing ability short-term until you can look for a more permanent solution. They might not fix the problem but they can help get you through if you’re in a tight spot and need some healing power. Consider a few ways to boost your hearing in a pinch.
Bust through the build up
If your hearing loss is relatively new, chances are your problem is earwax build up. Wax can block the passage of sound waves into the inner ear, creating a significant hearing loss. Add a little water from your shower to the wax and you have a serious blockage.
Your best bet to clean your ears safely is to schedule an appointment with a qualified hearing specialist. If you are strapped for time, though, you can use the DIY method. First, put the cotton swabs away. They don’t belong anywhere near your ears. Next, try placing just a few drops of mineral oil or a commercial ear cleaner product into the canal. Let the softening solution sit for a minute and then rinse your ear using lukewarm salt water and a syringe. Make sure the water is about the same temperature as your body to prevent dizziness. Afterward, put a couple of drops of rubbing alcohol in the ear to dry up any remaining water. This will prevent an infection.
Deal with those allergies
Again, if your problem is a new thing, look for other possible causes than the basic age-related hearing loss. One likely answer is allergies. The tubes that help regulate ear pressure tend to swell shut when your sinuses are acting up. That means blocked sinuses due to an allergy or infection can temporarily leave you struggling to hear, too.
Unless you know you have a respiratory infection, the most logical answer is an allergy. Taking an antihistamine and decongestant might be enough to open up those tubes and get you hearing again.
Cut back on the over-the-counter pain medications
Specifically, lower your dose of any NSAIDs you might be taking daily for that achy back or creaky knees. NSAIDs such as Motrin, Advil or Aleve® can trigger tinnitus or ringing in the ears and that interferes with your ability to hear. Simply cutting back on them might be enough to restore your hearing for the day.
Take advantage of technology
In today’s world of Bluetooth devices and phones that are incredibly smart, look to technology for a quick fix to your problem. There are apps out there that basically turn your phone into a directional microphone. Used in conjunction with earbuds or headphones, your phone can serve as a temporary sound amplifier.
Sound quality might be sketchy in some cases. It will really depend on the quality of your phone, app and hearing device. Even if it works, you can hardly walk around holding your phone out every time you want sound clarity, so this is a very targeted solution to your problem. It will get you through that lecture or help you hear your grandchild’s must not miss band concert, though.
Any one of these tips might be enough to improve your hearing, at least short-term, but they are not a substitution for seeing a qualified hearing specialist to get a proper diagnosis. Hearing loss is a gradual and degenerative process. The sooner you get treatment, the better your odds of avoiding further hearing complications. If you do find out you have a permanent reduction in your hearing, then consider that hearing aids can greatly improve the quality of your life without resorting to quick fixes.
