A Singapore ENT Specialist Shares 9 Tips on How to Take Care of Your Ears.
You may not think about your ears every day, but proper daily care is important to avoid infection and damage. Using the right tools and techniques will ensure ear health and optimal hearing throughout your life. If you are not aware of how personal habits and certain activities affect your ears, the following will explain what you need to do, what you should avoid, and when it is time to see an ent specialist in Singapore.
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Dry Your Ears
Anything from playing water sports to taking a daily shower introduces water into the ears. Water in the ear canals can become trapped and cause bacteria to grow, resulting in a painful condition called swimmer’s ear.
It can also lead to infection within the middle ear. The untreated infection causes dizziness, balance issues, and hearing loss. The best way to avoid moisture-related ear problems is to keep them dry. You should dry your ears carefully with a towel after they have been exposed to water.
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Avoid Cotton Swabs
There is an old saying about never putting anything inside your ears that is smaller than your elbow. Even using Q-tips presents a danger because you will just push dirt, wax, and other debris farther into your ear canals. Wax can build up and create a plug, which will eventually affect your hearing.
You may also end up with an infection that will require a doctor’s visit and medication to treat. In extreme cases, you could even rupture your eardrums. The best practice is to never put anything inside your ears.
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Wash Your Ears Daily
Earwax is the substance that maintains the inside of your ears. While you should leave this alone to do its job, you do need to clean the outside parts of your ears to keep dirt from advancing inside.
Wash your outer ears gently when bathing or after exercising and other activities that expose your ears to sweat and dust.
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Use Caution with Earwax Removal
While it is vital to keep your ears clean, overdoing it can have the opposite effect by causing skin irritation, dryness, or pushing fluid into the inner parts of the ears. If you must use drops or other medications to combat excess wax, apply them with caution and only use them infrequently.
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Apply Sunscreen Outdoors
Sunscreen plays an important role in shielding your skin from the sun, and your ears need this protection as well. Ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer to form on the outer ear surfaces.
If you do not have sunscreen or do not want to use it, make sure your ears are covered by a hat or your hair if you are going to spend extended time outside.
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Carry Noise Protection
Excessive noise is a primary cause of hearing loss. If you cannot avoid being in a noisy area for either work or leisure, such as a sports stadium, a rock concert, or an airport, bring noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to reduce the sound as much as possible.
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Chew Gum on Planes
Flying causes the ears to experience changes in air pressure, making them feel full and painful. You can avoid this discomfort by chewing gum on takeoff and descent.
Besides, wearing equalizing earplugs will keep your ears happy during rapid altitude changes. If you must fly while you are ill, a decongestant will help to clear your ears before departure.
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Take Care of Hearing Aids
Wearing hearing aids means you have to take care of them properly to avoid more hearing problems. Always follow the directions of your doctor and perform all required maintenance steps when it comes to your hearing aids.
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Consult with a Hearing Professional
Despite your best efforts, you may still experience a buildup of earwax that blocks your hearing or causes other problems in your ears. Skip the home remedies and visit a hearing professional who has the proper tools to remove the wax. Do not try to resolve this problem alone.
You only get one set of ears. Following these tips will keep them healthy between visits to your hearing professional and help you to avoid any unnecessary appointments. Practicing good ear health is a simple habit that will benefit you for life.
