Are you guilty of taking your hearing for granted? We often don’t realize the importance of our ear health until we start experiencing problems. Although our ears are incredibly resilient, they are constantly exposed to loud noises and potential damage. It’s time to start prioritizing the care of our ears before it’s too late. Let’s discuss 6 simple things that you should be doing to maintain better ear health and prevent any future issues.
Consider Ear Wax Removal
Excessive ear wax can create a range of problems, including but not limited to hearing loss, discomfort, and tinnitus. Fortunately, there’s a solution to this issue: professional ear wax removal. To find the right professional in your area, just search ‘ear wax removal near me’ online and do your research before tapping the first result. A reliable doctor or audiologist will help you remove built-up ear wax safely and efficiently, so your hearing stays sharp and healthy. In general, they use a suction device or special tools to gently remove the wax, and there’s no need to dread this simple procedure.
Keep the Volume Down
Listening to music at high volumes, especially through earbuds or headphones, can significantly damage your hearing over time. Many of us are guilty of cranking up the volume to drown out background noise, but this habit can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Experts suggest following the 60/60 rule: limiting music listening time through earphones to 60 minutes at a time and keeping the volume under 60% of the maximum.
It’s also a good idea to invest in noise-canceling headphones, which can help you enjoy your music without needing to increase the volume excessively. Always remember to give your ears a break from loud noises and try to limit exposure whenever possible.
Wear Protective Gear
In environments where noise is unavoidable, wearing protective gear is paramount to safeguarding your hearing. Besides using earplugs at concerts, clubs, or sporting events, you should also consider wearing them when mowing the lawn, using power tools, or participating in any other noisy activities. Even if they may not seem loud enough to cause harm immediately, prolonged exposure can still damage your hearing over time.
In addition to earplugs, earmuffs are another great option for noise protection. They’re especially useful for professions like construction or factory work where loud noises are a regular occurrence — make sure to always have a pair handy.
Dry Your Ears Carefully
Water trapped in your ears can lead to infections, such as swimmer’s ear, which is why drying your ears properly after swimming or bathing is crucial. Gently towel-dry the outer ear, then tilt your head to the side to allow water to escape from the ear canal.
Avoid using cotton swabs inside your ear as they can push wax and debris further into the ear canal, potentially causing blockages or damage to the inner ear. If you’re prone to ear infections or have water that won’t come out, a few drops of a solution made from equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol can safely assist in drying out the ear canal and preventing infections. Never use this solution if you have a perforated eardrum.
Get Regular Check-Ups
Just like any other aspect of your health, regular check-ups with a hearing specialist can detect any issues early on and prevent potential damage. An audiologist can perform a comprehensive hearing test to determine if you have any hearing loss or other conditions that may require treatment.
If you notice any changes in your hearing, such as muffled sounds or difficulty understanding conversations, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a specialist for a check-up. The earlier you address any issues, the better chance you have of maintaining your hearing health.
Manage Stress Levels
Stress has a more significant impact on your hearing than you might think. Chronic stress can lead to issues like tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears that can be temporary or, in some cases, permanent.
To protect your ears and overall well-being, it’s important to incorporate stress management practices into your daily life. Activities like yoga, meditation, and regular exercise can reduce stress levels and promote better hearing health. For those suffering from tinnitus, relaxation techniques, and sound therapy can also provide relief from the persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears.
Taking care of your ears is an essential part of maintaining your overall health. Simple practices like managing ear wax, keeping volume levels down, wearing protective gear, drying your ears properly, getting regular check-ups, and managing stress can significantly contribute to preserving your hearing. Start incorporating these steps into your daily routine and prioritize your ear health today. As you might know already, prevention is always better than cure. So invest in your hearing now, and thank yourself later!
