The Layman’s Guide for Ear Care: How to Deal with Your Ears Safely

Unless you started life with an abnormality or suffered a terrible wound, chances are you have two round appendages on the sides of your head we like to call “Ears.” Many do not realize just how special and amazing their ears are. Our ears do more than just allow us to hear; they help regulate balance and pressure in the sinus cavities. And your ears never rest; it’s the brain that blocks out sound during sleep, with the use of chemical releases, but the ears are always working. And every part of the ear is vital for proper functioning. Even the tiny little hairs called terminal hairs are essential for hearing, and if they become too damaged or are lost, a person will also lose the ability to hear. The ears also never stop growing; studies have shown that a person’s ears can grow a little more than a half millimeter throughout their lifetime. No two ears are the same; some are small and curve close to the head, while others can be large or protrude outward. To date, there has been no evidence that the shape or size of an ear has any effect on one’s ability to hear. So, no matter what your ears look like, it’s always a good idea to maintain them for optimum health, but you must know how to deal with your ears safely.

Many people have regular habits for cleaning and maintaining their ears. While giving your ears regular attention is not a bad idea, some practices are more beneficial than others, and some can even lead to damage and long-term problems. In the natural scheme of things, your ears are supposed to be self-cleaning. But, every once in a while, nature needs a little help, and so do we. Make sure to read our tips on how to deal with your ears safely. Ears are a fantastic part of our anatomy and should be treated with care so that they will last a lifetime.

1- Never use cotton swabs or insert anything smaller than your elbow into your ear. The only things that should be entering your ear are air and sound. Cotton swaps and the like can damage the inner lining of the ear canal, leading to irritation and potential infections.

2- Irrigating the ear using over-the-counter ear drops, oils (like coconut and olive oils), and hydrogen peroxide can provide temporary relief for excessive earwax build-up. Used sparingly, it can work wonders. However, if you have a hole in your eardrum, have been diagnosed with diabetes, or have a weakened immune symptom, you should avoid this form of rinsing.

3- Even your diet can be a factor as earwax build-up is also a symptom of a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in the body. Correcting this can help significantly reduce its production.