We often don’t give much thought to ear health until there is a problem, such as an ear infection, ringing, or hearing loss; however, our ears need regular care to stay healthy and work their best. Taking steps to maintain ear health can be simple and help prevent common issues such as infections, wax buildup, and hearing damage. Let’s look at some key tips to help keep your ears in top condition.
1. Protect your ears from loud noises
Loud noises, such as concerts, construction sites, or even high-volume headphones, can damage your ears over time. To protect your ears, try to keep volume levels safe and wear ear protection such as earplugs in noisy environments. Following the 60/60 rule for headphones – keeping volume under 60% and listening for no more than 60 minutes at a time – can also help prevent long-term hearing damage.
2. Clean your ears safely
While cleaning your ears is important, it is easy to damage them by cleaning them the wrong way. Never insert objects such as cotton buds, hairgrips, or fingernails into the ear canal, as this can damage the ear lining or push wax further inside. Instead, gently clean the outer ear, avoiding the inner canal. If you feel you have excess wax, there are safe ways to remove it.
3. Ear wax removal
Ear wax plays a protective role by trapping dirt and bacteria, preventing them from reaching the inner ear; however, too much wax can lead to pain, hearing issues, or even infections. If the wax buildup is significant or causing symptoms and you are searching for ear wax removal Poole, it is best to visit a doctor or ear specialist such as https://www.earwax.co.uk/ear-wax-removal-near-me/poole/. Avoid at-home kits or ear candles, as these can sometimes cause more harm than good.
4. Keep ears dry
Excess moisture in the ear can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, leading to infections such as swimmer’s ear. To keep your ears dry, use a towel after swimming or showering and tilt your head to each side to help any trapped water escape.