Taking proper care of your ears

Our ears are one of the most vital organs in our bodies. Their function can’t be overemphasized. That’s why taking good and proper care of your ears can go a long way towards your longevity and its overall health. Dr. Muhammad Umar of Bwari General Hospital, Abuja gave some tips to observe to ensure that your ears stay as healthy as they can possibly be.

Earplugs are your best friend: Especially when you are in environments where there’s a lot of loud noise, like construction sites or a lot of chatter, using earplugs can shut out all the background noise that may affect your ears and even save you a headache.

Turn it down a notch: Some of us can go hours on end listening to loud music with our earphones. This can be a major cause of hearing loss, perhaps sooner rather than later. To know the right volume setting that is okay, if you can hear when you are called, then it is fine.

Your ears need rest too: After attending events like a concert, or any other thing that exposes you to loud noise for an extended period of time, it is important for your ears to have some peace and for your eardrums to recover. Say no to cotton buds: Using cotton buds to clean your ears actually does more harm than good, especially when you force it into your eardrums. It can cause a lot of damage to your ear canal. Visit a physician to clean your ears properly, using the right tools.

Keep them dry: Moisture caused by water provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause infections. So after taking a shower or swimming, gently towel-dry your ears or tilt your head and force the water out. Water inside your ears can also cause pain in the ears.

Go for checkups: Hearing loss isn’t an overnight thing; it is gradual. Going for regular checkups will help a lot in identifying any sign concerning your ear health. Get the wax cleaned properly when due, as this will make for good hearing, even in old age.