Look After Your Ear Health – Most of us probably assume that we already know what it takes to look after our body. Health is a personal feeling and most people will tell you that they take the steps they need for their own health journey. Which is fine, however, what also happens is that many people forget that you need to look after your ear health and so they get forgotten.
Don’t Stick Anything In Your Ears
It might sound obvious, but one of the most common mistakes people make is cleaning their ears with cotton buds or other objects. While it might feel like you’re helping, you’re actually pushing wax further in and risking damage to the delicate inner structures of the ear. Your ears are self-cleaning — wax moves naturally out of the ear canal — so unless it’s causing discomfort or hearing issues, it’s best to leave it alone or seek professional help if needed.
Why You Should Look After Your Ear Health
If you have your hearing then it is probably something that you take for granted. Lots of us are guilty of listening to much that is too loud or attending too many music events without taking proper precautions. We tend not to give thought to what this means for our long term ear health, but actually, it is something that we should be giving far more consideration to.
Be Cautious With Headphone Use
With music and podcasts so easily accessible, it’s easy to keep the headphones in all day — but long-term exposure to loud sound can take a serious toll on your hearing. A good rule of thumb is the 60/60 rule: keep the volume below 60% and take breaks every 60 minutes. Noise-cancelling headphones can also help, as they reduce the need to crank up the volume in noisy environments.
Keep Your Ears Dry
Moisture trapped in your ears can create a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of ear infections like swimmer’s ear. After swimming or showering, gently dry your ears with a towel and tilt your head to help any trapped water escape. If you’re prone to ear infections, you might want to use ear plugs when swimming or invest in a swimming cap that covers your ears.
Don’t Ignore That Ringing
Occasional ringing in the ears — known as tinnitus — can happen after loud events, like concerts, but if it becomes persistent, it’s worth seeking medical advice. Tinnitus can be a sign of underlying ear issues or damage to your hearing, and catching it early can make management easier. Even if it’s mild, don’t dismiss it; your ears might be telling you something important.
Do you ever consider how to look after your ears?
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