The ears are often neglected because they’re just “there”. Because of that, many people tend to be complacent and ignore their ears until pain or other issues surface. This complacency also leads to doing activities and habits that can be harmful to it. Ears are precious organs for hearing and balance, so let’s explore the behaviors we thought were harmless but are actually harmful and how to change them to good ear hygiene.
Using Cotton Swabs Inside Your Ears
While the practice of using cotton swabs for ear cleaning feels satisfying or ASMR-triggering, it is actually detrimental to the ears. Instead of removing wax, the rounded tips of cotton swabs push it deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction and blockage, discomfort, or even eardrum damage. So what should you do, then? Leave the earwax alone, as it is a natural substance produced by the body that prevents bacterial and fungal infections and creates a waterproof barrier for the ear canal. Your ears are self-cleaning, meaning earwax naturally falls off on its own. In the event of impacted earwax or a complete blockage, ear wax removal should be performed by professionals such as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians or audiologists. They have the training, experience, and specialized equipment to remove earwax safely. If you prefer over-the-counter solutions, it’s still recommended to consult these professionals for advice on how to properly use OTC earwax removal products.
Listening to Loud Music with Headphones or Earbuds
Getting “in the zone” to your hype music isn’t inherently bad, as long as it’s within a reasonable volume range. However, the hype of the situation can often lead many headphone or earbud users to crank up the volume, but this practice can lead to noise-induced hearing loss over time. Music can be a great energizer in workouts and exercises and an excellent mood uplifter when working and commuting, so listen to it at moderate volume. A recommendation from experts is to follow the 60/60 rule: the volume shouldn’t exceed 60%, and listening time should go beyond 60 minutes. Use over-ear headphones instead of earbuds for a safer listening experience.
Ignoring Ear Protection in Noisy Environments
We’re not out of the noise forest yet, as loud environments – construction sites, shooting ranges, airport runways, or even concerts – can expose the ears to high-decibel noise that erodes hearing. Don’t let moments of laziness or foolishness lead you to ignore wearing ear protection, or you’ll regret it later. Wear proper ear protection, such as foam earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs, to reduce the risk of damage. At home, use ear protection when operating loud power tools or lawnmowers.
Getting Water Trapped in Your Ears
Water can sometimes get in the ear when you swim, shower, or sweat. Don’t let it sit inside the ear canal for too long, as it creates a breeding ground for bacteria and results in a swimmer’s ear or other infections. Should water get into your ears, tilt your head to drain trapped water and follow it up by using a towel or soft tissue to dry the outer area. To prevent frequent water intrusion in the ears, invest in protective earplugs and have swimmer’s ear drops ready.
As Julie Andrews’ character, Maria once sang: “The hills are alive with the sound of music”, you appreciate the world better when you hear its sounds. So, don’t take your ears for granted and do things that can harm them. If you’ve been practicing any of the aforementioned habits, it’s not too late to start fresh. Start making small changes to those unhealthy habits now, and you’ll claim the reward of optimal hearing and ear health.
