A lot of people bring their ear with no consideration until something goes wrong. Do people recognize, though, that there are steps you should take to make sure you maintain healthy ears? These steps not only help fight off the risk of hearing loss, but they can also help prevent the likelihood of other ear problems, such as infections or ringing ears.
Cleaning Your Ears
We often use Q-tips or bobby pins to clean out earwax from our ears, but that is actually a dangerous practice. You should only wipe the outer ear with a washcloth or tissue, without putting anything into your ear smaller than your elbow. Putting objects into your ears can cause harm to your ear canal or your eardrum.
That earwax that everyone likes to get out of his or her ears is actually your ear's way to clean itself. If, however, you have a build-up of wax that blocks your hearing, you should see your doctor to have it removed.
If you happen to experience any itching or pain in your ears, you should see your primary care physician as soon as possible to have it evaluated and determine how it should be treated, as well as whether you should see a specialist.
Illness and Medications
You can cut down your chances for ear infections by taking care of any upper respiratory infections, like sinus or throat infections, promptly and quickly. These infections, if left untreated, can move into your ears and cause permanent hearing loss or damage.
Some illnesses and medical conditions can change your hearing. If you suddenly experience hearing loss or ringing ears, you should see an ear doctor right away. If treated promptly, you have a much better chance of a full recovery than if you wait to see if the problem goes away on its own.
Ear Safety
Any time you are exposed to loud levels of noise, you run the risk of damaging your ears or your hearing. That is why you should wear hearing protection whenever you are mowing the lawn, blowing leaves, or using power tools. When you are listening to music or television, you should maintain the volume at a comfortable level. If you think it is too loud, it probably is.
When you are biking, skiing, roller blading, or participating in any other activity that puts you at risk for head or ear injuries, wear a helmet. A helmet not only protects your skull from damage, but it can also protect your ears from being harmed.
Wrapping It Up
By properly caring for your ears, you will greatly reduce your risk of hearing loss. You should have your ears checked regularly by your family doctor, and have your hearing tested by an audiologist whenever you or anyone else questions whether your hearing is normal. Take care of your ears, and your ears will take care of you. Taking your ears for granted can mean eventual hearing loss or other hearing impairment or conditions.
