Unfortunately, many inner ear problems cannot be successfully/permanently treated. For instance, presbycusis or Meniere’s disease cannot be cured but can only be addressed through alleviating techniques. Many cases of inner ear disorders can be prevented though.
- Avoiding loud noise is the best way to avoid noise-induced hearing loss. There is no denying that exposure to loud noise is, indeed, the reason why many people succumb to loss of hearing at some point in their lives. Damage to the delicate hair cells in the cochlea is the result of too much exposure to noise. The damage cannot be repaired-damaged hair cells don’t heal themselves. As a result, noise-induced hearing loss is incurable. Experts also believe that age-related hearing loss may also be due to cumulative noise exposure.
- Avoid using hydrogen peroxide to remove ear wax or cure infection in the ears. Studies have shown that this compound can affect the function of the inner ear and may even damage it. Go to your doctor for proper treatment of earwax impaction or ear infection. Do not self medicate.
- Learn that some medications can cause inner ear problems. These drugs are called ototoxic medications. NSAIDs, some chemotherapy drugs, loop diuretics, and some antibiotics have been classified as ototoxic. They cause gradual damage to the ears and may make one suffer from tinnitus and hearing loss in the long run. Report to your doctor any loss of hearing or perception of tinnitus after taking a medication. Excessive dependence on ototoxic drugs may cause permanent hearing damage according to doctors.
- Go to your doctor if you notice changes in your hearing, if you think your hearing has become muffled, and if people complain that you are turning the television too loud for them. You might have developed mild hearing loss. If you work in noisy factories, have your hearing assessed every year.
- Give your ears a rest! If you have spent several days staying in disco pubs or listening to loud music, you have to spend a good time being in a low noise environment. This allows your ears to recover from the strain of constant loud noise exposure.
- Vertigo is a common symptom of vestibular disorders. If you frequently suffer from bouts of dizziness or vertigo, set an appointment with your doctor. Tinnitus is another common symptom of inner ear problems, such as hearing loss, so do not hesitate to go to an audiologist for hearing assessment. Many people with tinnitus have hearing loss, so opt for hearing assessment if you have tinnitus.