Although ears are one of the most visible and used parts of the human body, we often ignore to care for them. We only reach an ENT or try home remedies when our ears feel blocked or when we experience some kind of pain/ infection.
As crucial as the Ears are a part of our senses, taking care of their hygiene and overall well-being is equally necessary. It is easy to take our ears for granted, but imagine the day when you can’t hear your favorite melody, the voice of your loved ones, or even your own words.
The ears play a vital role in sending and hearing sounds and balancing every piece of information in the brain. It is said that we should start cleaning our baby’s ears right since they are infants and should continue this with age. Not only cleaning but there are a lot more ways to take care of your ears and hearing capabilities.
How To Take Care Of Your Ears?
Caring for our ears is as important as caring for any other body part. Healthy ears contribute to clear hearing and overall well-being.
Here are the Top 5 Ear Care Tips:
1. Clean Your Ears Regularly
The habit of cleaning the outer section of the ears should be encouraged from an early age. The easiest and safest way is to use a soft cotton cloth of cotton buds on the exposed part of your ears right after a bath. Doing so will remove all the dirt and dust that can potentially enter the ear canal.
However, NEVER insert a cotton bud or any object inside the ear canal while cleaning your ears. Cotton buds are meant for cleaning the ears’ outer rim (the exposed section). Inserting any object inside the ear canal doesn’t aid in cleaning but pushes the wax deeper. Further impacted wax can lead to blockage, pain, dizziness, and tinnitus. Inserting an object into your ear canal can even damage the ear drums and other sensitive parts of your ear.
2. Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises
Although our years are designed for hearing, keeping them unexposed from loud noises for long or often is essential. Sounds at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA) are safe for human ears. However, sounds at or above 85 A-weighted decibels (dBA) can damage ears or even result in hearing loss during prolonged or repeated exposure.
While attending concerts or in environments with loud machinery, using earplugs or over-the-ear earmuffs is advisable. Objects like these reduce harmful sound levels and protect your hearing power.
3. Give Your Ears A Break
Giving your ears a break from continuous exposure to loud and frequent noises is extremely important. Especially now, when headphones, concerts, loud music, and noisy machinery are a part of our day-to-day life, our ears need rest. Take a break from stepping out and rest in a calm, quiet environment, even for 15 to 20 minutes. If possible, escape to nature and let your ears experience the calmness of birds chirping, rivers flowing, and leaves rustling.
4. Keep Your Ears Dry
A well-balanced ear care asks to keep your ears dry internally and externally. Moisture on the external part of your ears can develop bacterial or fungal infections. Similarly, excessive exposure to moisture inside your ear canal can result in ear infections. Therefore, ENTs advise drying/ cleaning our ears after swimming and showering. Or, if your ears are prone to infection, always wear earplugs before entering a swimming pool or going for a shower.
5. Get Your Ears Checked Regularly
Although we aren’t taught or encouraged, visiting an ENT periodically is as essential as regular blood checkups. Hearing screenings and wax cleaning (for some people) once or twice a year are advisable. Remember, hearing loss occurs gradually (unless experienced a trauma); thus, regular ear checkups at ENT can be beneficial in catching and treating any issues early.
Wrap Up
Ears are essential, and so is ear care. While you do several things to keep your health at its best, include ears as a part of this regime. In fact, unlike the rest of your body, ears are easy to maintain. Follow the above ear care tips and maintain healthy ears and perfect hearing for life.
