Ears are an important part of our health. They protect us against infection and help maintain balance.
Earwax is a natural substance that helps protect the ears. It does not need to be removed unless it builds up too much and causes hearing loss or tinnitus.
It is important to clean your ears daily but completing this task incorrectly can cause more harm than good. Always use a cloth or rinse with water.
1. Wash Your Ears Daily
The ears are a sensitive organ that needs to be cared for properly. Fortunately, there are several simple habits that people can do to ensure their ears are healthy and free of infection. These simple practices can also help prevent or slow hearing loss as you age.
Washing your ears daily is the best way to keep your ear canals and inner auditory system clean. This habit helps remove excess moisture and debris from the ear canal, which is a breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to ear infections. In addition to washing your ears daily, you should also be sure to remove the moisture from the ear canal after swimming or showering.
Earwax is a natural substance that keeps your ears from drying out and it prevents foreign material like dust and dirt from entering the ear canal. While it may feel annoying to have earwax build up in the ear, earwax is a necessary part of the ear’s self-cleaning process. When it becomes loose, earwax is usually easy to remove from the ear canal with a washcloth or a small amount of baby oil.
Avoid using cotton swabs or other sharp objects in the ears, as these can cause irritation and potentially puncture the eardrum. The best way to clean your ears is with a damp washcloth or warm water while in the shower.
It’s a good idea to have regular checkups with an ear, nose, and throat specialist to make sure that your ears are in proper working order. Your doctor can also screen for early signs of tinnitus and other potential problems, so you can address them before they become serious. It is also advisable to take effective supplements like Sonovive, designed to enhance hearing and brain function through a blend of organic plant extracts. Curious about how Sonovive could benefit your ear health? Dive into a detailed review of Sonovive here and explore its potential to enhance hearing and brain function through a unique mix of organic plant extracts.
2. Clean Your Ears With Warm Water
Earwax is a natural substance that helps keep dirt and debris out of the ear canal. While it may be uncomfortable at times, earwax is essential to your hearing health. However, earwax can build up and lead to ear infections if not removed properly. Cleaning your ears with a washcloth daily, especially after going swimming or showering, can help prevent excess earwax and keep your ears healthy.
If you find that you are experiencing a lot of earwax buildup, try using oil to soften it and facilitate its natural removal. Olive oil is a great option, but you can also use baby oil or glycerin. Place three to five drops of the liquid into your ear canal while your head is tilted toward one side. Wait a few minutes before turning your head to the other side to allow the wax to drain out. Repeat this once or twice a day until the blockage is gone.
Another way to clean your ears is to rinse them with lukewarm water. You can do this while you are in the shower or by running a stream of warm water over your ears. Be sure to use a water temperature that is not too hot, as this could cause injury to your eardrum.
Many people clean their ears with cotton swabs or try the latest fad in DIY ear care and ear candles. While these methods may remove some of the earwax, they are not safe and can damage your ears. Always seek the advice of a hearing professional before trying them. They can advise you on the best ways to clean your ears and make sure they are free from infection and irritation.
3. Remove All Earwax
Earwax (the medical name is cerumen) is a natural substance that helps to protect the ear canal from dirt and germs. It’s also a part of the ear’s self-cleaning process. It’s important to clean the outer ears with a washcloth to keep the skin in the ear canal healthy and remove any sweat, oils or dirt that can cause irritation. But unless you’re experiencing dulled sounds, itching in the ear canal or bouts of hearing loss, you shouldn’t be removing earwax. Doing so can actually damage the ear canal and eardrum, and it may even lead to a buildup of impacted earwax.
Most earwax is formed in the outer third of the ear canal, far from the eardrum. It’s a sticky substance that traps dust, microscopic debris and other foreign objects so they can’t reach the eardrum. Over time, it naturally moves out of the ear canal as it dries, taking any debris with it. But occasionally, earwax can build up inside the ear canal, often due to a natural accumulation or because of repeated attempts to remove it with cotton swabs.
If you do notice a buildup of earwax, you should visit your doctor for a professional ear cleaning or purchase an over-the-counter earwax removal kit that includes wax-softening drops and safe earwax removal tools like a rubber bulb syringe. Trying to remove earwax with a paper clip, hairpin or cotton swab can actually push the earwax further into the ear, causing a blockage.
A store-bought earwax removal kit should contain instructions for proper use. When using a kit, be sure to carefully irrigate the ear canal to avoid damaging earwax and your eardrum.
4. Use Earplugs
Earplugs are an essential part of many people’s lives, and they can be used to protect ears from loud noises that can damage hearing over time. They can also help with sleep and focus, and are great for reducing the risk of ear infections. However, they should be used carefully and should be cleaned regularly to ensure that they are not causing any irritation or infection.
When using earplugs, it is important to make sure that they are clean and dry before inserting them. This will prevent bacteria from transferring from your hands to the ear canal and causing an infection. They should also be replaced daily or after three days, to avoid an infection due to bacterial buildup. If you are using premoulded earplugs, it is helpful to roll them between your fingers before inserting them into the ear so that they compact down and fit easily in the ear.
It is also important to remember that earwax does serve a purpose in the ears, and it should be allowed to migrate naturally from the eardrum to the ear canal. A buildup of earwax can cause issues such as itching, pain, dizziness, and hearing problems. It is therefore important to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional if you are experiencing earwax buildup on a regular basis.
Regular exercise is important to overall health, and it is also beneficial for ear health. It helps to improve circulation, which can help with blood flow and oxygen to the ears and the rest of the body. It is recommended to do some form of exercise on most days of the week. Exercising is also a great way to reduce stress, which can affect ear health.
5. Schedule Your Ear Exam
Ear health is often overlooked, but it’s essential to monitor for earwax buildup and other problems like tinnitus and hearing loss. A routine that includes regular self-examination and professional ear cleaning can help you prevent hearing loss, reduce the need for surgery, and increase your quality of life.
The best way to monitor earwax is to watch for signs of excessive buildup or symptoms such as a dull ringing in your ears (tinnitus). You can also try using ear drops with natural ingredients such as olive oil that are safe for ear wax removal. However, it’s important not to overdo it as too much earwax can lead to an ear infection or blockage.
In addition to physical exams of the ears, a doctor can also conduct tests such as pure tone and speech tests to see how well your ear canal, eardrum, and hearing are functioning. A simple tympanometry test may be done to determine whether there is fluid behind the eardrum, as well.
Your doctor will probably ask you questions about your symptoms or history with ear infections and other issues that might affect your ear health. They may then use a tool called an otoscope to look inside your ears. You’ll likely be asked to sit or lie down and tilt your head to the side to allow for better visibility.
It’s important to remain still during an ear exam, as sudden movements can cause pain and damage the eardrum. For this reason, it’s important to schedule your ear exam for an appropriate time of day when you won’t be too busy or stressed. You should also be aware of your workplace noise levels, as loud noises can also cause ear damage.