10 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Ears

Ears, crucial for hearing and balance, are often neglected. Methods of cleaning and enjoying music can unknowingly harm our auditory health.

Inserting Objects Into Your Ears

Using objects like hairpins or keys to remove earwax or scratch an itch can be harmful, causing damage to the inner ear, infections, hearing loss, or a ruptured eardrum. Clean outer ear with a soft cloth and let body's natural processes handle inner cleaning.

Using Headphones for Extended Periods

Enjoying music through headphones can damage your ears if too loud or used for long periods. It can cause permanent hearing loss or tinnitus. Take breaks for your ears to rest.

Not Protecting Your Ears From Loud Noises

Protect your ears from loud noises at concerts, sports events, or from machinery. Use earplugs or earmuffs during prolonged exposure, especially if working in noisy environments.

Ignoring Ear Infections

Ear infections are common but should not be ignored. If untreated, they can cause permanent hearing loss or ear damage. Seek medical help for symptoms like pain or discharge.

Smoking

Smoking damages not only your lungs but also your ears. Chemicals in cigarettes can harm cells in your inner ear, leading to hearing loss over time. Quit now.

Not Getting Your Hearing Checked Regularly

Regular eye and hearing checks are vital. Many delay hearing tests until major loss occurs. Early detection can prevent further damage. Especially important for noisy work or family history.

Using Cotton Swabs to Clean Your Ears

Cotton swabs, while seemingly efficient for ear cleaning, can do harm by pushing earwax further, perhaps causing wax buildup, blockages, temporary hearing loss, discomfort or eardrum damage. Let your body's natural process handle earwax removal.

Not Drying Your Ears After Swimming

Swimming is fun and beneficial to health, but poses ear infection risks from trapped water. To prevent this, dry ears thoroughly post-swimming/showering by tilting head and gently pulling earlobe.

Using Earbuds

Earbuds, while popular, aren't best for your ears due to increased volume and potential damage. Over-ear headphones reduce the risk of hearing loss by providing better distance.

Not Protecting Your Ears From Cold Temperatures

Cold temperatures can damage cells in your ears. Protect them with earmuffs or a warm hat, particularly if you have ear infection history or other ear issues.

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