Keeping the ears healthy is one of the most important things you can do for your body, but it also seems to be one of the most misunderstood tasks when it comes to looking after ourselves with many of us regularly undertaking damaging practices in a bid to keep our ears clean.
Here are 5 tips for keeping the ears healthy:
1) Don't Remove Earwax Yourself
There are specialists offering services such as ear wax removal in London for those suffering from impacted earwax, but this is something that should be diagnosed and treated properly rather than done at home.
Most of us believe that removing ear wax is a standard part of a personal hygiene routine but we're actually doing more harm than good. The ears are self-cleaning and in normal circumstances, ear wax should never need to be manually removed - it's there to lubricate and protect the ears, and trying to remove it with cotton buds could actually push it further into the ear, causing unnecessary damage.
2) Turn Down The Volume
Hearing loss and damage is becoming more common in younger people, and research links this to the amount of time younger people spend listening to loud music on in-ear listening devices. Did you know that Drs actually recommend earbuds are only used for an hour per day? Music fans who want to listen for longer than that should opt for traditional headphones, and keep the volume below 30 percent.
3) Have Regular Hearing Check Ups
Hearing check ups are quick and simple, but could be crucial in early identification of any potential hearing issues - early detection can lead to far better and more successful treatment options.
4) Keep The Ears Dry
Excess moisture in the ears can allow bacteria to cause damage to the ear canal, and can cause a condition known as Swimmers ear. Always be sure to gently towel dry the ears after swimming or bathing, and if you do feel that there is water trapped within the ear - try to dislodge it by tilting the head to the side and tugging gently on the ear lobe to allow the water to drain out.
It may also be worth investing in ear plugs to prevent water build up in the ears when swimming.
5) Keep Up With Your Vitamin A Intake
Did you know that Vitamin A is linked with hearing? Studies show that a lack of vitamin A can increase the ears sensitivity to noise and can contribute to noise-related hearing loss, so make sure you're getting enough of it! Sweet potatoes, cod liver oil, kale and mango are an excellent source of Vitamin A.
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