Taking care of your ears is not a whim, it's a direct investment in our health. health, well-being and quality of lifeFrom birth to old age, we depend on hearing to communicate, connect with others, and stay aware of our surroundings. However, we often only think about our ears when something hurts, itches, or we stop hearing properly.
The good news is that there is a lot we can do in our daily lives to Protect your ears at any ageAvoid certain harmful habits, learn how to clean your ears properly, reduce exposure to loud noise, pay attention to your medication, and see a specialist when necessary. Below you'll find a complete guide, based on medical recommendations and those of hearing experts, to help you care for your ears as they deserve.
Why is it so important to take care of your ears throughout your life?
The ears are a part of the body that is as delicate as it is essential, since they house the organs responsible for hearing and balanceDamage to these structures can result in hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus, or painful infections that, in some cases, leave permanent aftereffects.
Listening well is associated with a greater autonomy, better communication and a more active social life. When hearing deteriorates, difficulties arise in following conversations, progressive isolation, and even memory and mood problems, especially in older people.
In addition, there is a risk that is often overlooked: many hearing damages are irreversible and silentIn other words, the ear is gradually damaged by loud noise, poorly treated infections, or ototoxic drugs, and we only realize it when the loss is already evident.
Therefore, it is advisable to adopt some healthy ear care habits From childhood: good hygiene without aggression, protection from noise and water, control of diseases that affect the inner ear (such as diabetes or hypertension) and periodic check-ups with the ENT or audiologist.
Ear cleaning: how to do it right and what to avoid
Earwax, or cerumen, is not an enemy, but a natural protective mechanism that acts as barrier against dust, dirt and microorganismsThe ear itself usually expels it spontaneously, so most of the time there is no need to "poke" or delve deeper.
After showering or washing your hair, to dry the area it is enough to Gently clean the outer part of the ear canalA simple way is to wrap your index finger with a clean towel or gauze and pass it only around the entrance of the ear, without trying to go deeper.
Try to do a deeper clean with Cotton swabs or improvised utensils not only do not prevent the formation of blockages, but often have the opposite effect: pushing the wax inwardsThis encourages it to compact, form a plug that is difficult to remove, and in some cases, even damage the eardrum or the skin of the ear canal.
They are sold in pharmacies. drops and sprays to “dissolve” the wax and prevent blockages. Although they can help in certain cases, their Effectiveness varies and they never replace medical evaluation.If you already suspect you have earwax buildup because you notice blockage, decreased hearing, or ringing in your ears, the sensible thing to do is to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist to have it removed safely.
There are also those who apply hydrogen peroxide, mineral oils or homemade saline solutions, thinking that this cleans the ear better. This habit is dangerous because It can irritate the skin and cause infections. and could even worsen a previously undetected eardrum perforation. It is best to avoid putting any liquid in the ear canal unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
How to prevent water from entering and avoid infections
Water is another major enemy of the ear when it enters and remains trapped in the ear canal. After swimming in a pool, at the beach, or showering, the ear canal can remain moist and promote a buildup of moisture. infection called external otitiswhich is usually very painful and annoying.
After bathing, gently dry the outer part of the ear, without inserting any objects. If you notice any water remaining, you can tilt your head towards the affected side and gently tap the area of the ear with the palm of your hand to facilitate the drainage of the fluid.
In some people prone to external infections, the specialist may recommend the use of Specific products that help dry the duct, such as boric acid solutions. These preparations should be applied sparingly and always following medical advice, as they are not suitable for everyone.
The most effective way to prevent water from entering your swimwear, especially if you swim frequently, is to use a wetsuit. bath plugs designed for the earThe most recommended are custom-made earplugs, fitted by hearing professionals, because they fit the ear canal without producing excessive pressure and minimize water leakage.
Equally important is avoiding bathing in very dirty or polluted waterNot only does it increase the risk of ear infections, but it can also affect the conjunctiva of the eyes and the respiratory tract. If you experience intense pain, discharge, or sudden hearing loss after a bath, make a medical appointment as soon as possible.
Loud noise and hearing: how to protect your ears from acoustic trauma
Exposure to loud noises is one of the main causes of irreversible hearing loss This occurs in people of all ages. Working in very noisy environments, frequently attending concerts or nightclubs, or using headphones at high volume gradually damages the auditory nerve.
When the ear is subjected to high-intensity noises, the sensory cells of the inner ear suffer an injury known as acoustic traumaIf this aggression is repeated or maintained for a long time, the cells stop functioning correctly and no longer recover, generating permanent deafness.
That's why it's key to avoid, as much as possible, spending long periods of time in very noisy environments. If work or lifestyle leaves no other option, it's essential to strictly adhere to the rules. workplace protection measures: hearing protection such as helmets or earplugs, regular hearing breaks and periodic hearing checks.
In nightclubs, concerts, or noisy events (such as mascletàs, fireworks, or sports stadiums), it's best to position yourself away from speakers and sources of noiseIn celebrations with firecrackers or explosives, maintaining a certain distance and, if possible, protecting the ears with earplugs greatly reduces the direct sound impact on the eardrum.
Beyond daily care, nothing replaces a good pair of... regular check-ups with the ENT specialist or audiologistEspecially if you're frequently exposed to loud noises. These checkups allow for the detection of early hearing loss before you notice the problem yourself, and enable timely intervention.
Ototoxic medications and substances that can damage the ear
Not all risks to hearing come from external sources. Some medications, especially certain antibiotics or drugs used in complex treatments, can have a ototoxic effectThat is, potentially harmful to the inner ear.
If your doctor prescribes prolonged or high-dose treatment with a drug known for its potential ototoxicity, it is important comment on your concern about hearingIn many cases, there are less aggressive therapeutic alternatives for the ear, or extra precautions can be taken with medical check-ups.
This doesn't mean we should distrust every medication we take, but it does mean it's advisable to be cautious. Avoid self-medication, especially with antibiotics or medications that haven't been specifically prescribed for you. The healthcare professional will always assess the risk-benefit ratio, but they need you to inform them if you already have pre-existing hearing problems.
In addition to systemic medications, one must also be very cautious with non-prescription ear dropsAlthough they may seem harmless, if there is a small perforation in the eardrum or an internal infection, some components can pass into the middle or inner ear and worsen the situation.
Therefore, if you experience any discomfort or pain in your ear, it's best to consult a doctor before using ear drops or home remedies. Trying to "fix it yourself" might seem convenient, but in the long run, you could cause problems. to aggravate a problem that would have been easily resolved with appropriate treatment.
When to see a doctor and how to act in case of ear problems
One of the most frequent mistakes in hearing health is resorting to self-treatment with drops, swabs or home remedies at the slightest symptom. The ear is a delicate structure and, apart from minor, passing discomfort, any problem that persists or recurs deserves a professional evaluation.
You should make an appointment with a doctor (preferably an ENT specialist) if you notice Intense pain, persistent feeling of fullness, suppuration, sudden hearing loss, vertigo associated with the ear or buzzing sounds that don't go awayThese signs can indicate anything from a simple external otitis to a more serious problem that should be ruled out.
In the specific case of earwax buildup, it's tempting to try to remove it at home with cotton swabs, hairpins, or similar objects. However, this usually pushes the wax further in, causing microlesions in the skin of the duct or even small perforations. The wisest course of action is to leave the extraction to a specialist.
It's also not a good idea to wait if you suspect a blockage. The more compacted the earwax becomes and the longer the obstruction lasts, The greater the discomfort and the risk of complicationsAn ENT specialist will have the appropriate instruments (such as controlled irrigation, aspiration, or micro-instruments) to remove it without damaging the ear.
In any case, keep in mind that the ear is part of a whole. If you suffer from other conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterolIt's a good idea to include regular hearing checkups in your health plan. Some scientific societies recommend checkups every 6-8 months for at-risk patients or those already experiencing some degree of hearing loss.
Special ear care in children
Children are especially vulnerable to ear problems because their auditory structures are more delicate and their immune system is still developing. Therefore, it's advisable to use a... extra care in hygiene habits, infection control and protection from noise from the earliest years of life.
One of the most common risks in childhood is recurrent ear infections, especially those associated with colds, runny noses, or attending daycare. If your child experiences ear pain, fever, or irritability, it is essential to take them to a pediatrician or ENT specialist for evaluation. assess the cause and prescribe the treatment more appropriate, avoiding self-medication.
It is also more likely that children will introduce small objects such as sand or seeds or toy pieces in the ear while playing. If you suspect there may be something inside the ear canal, do not try to remove it yourself with tweezers or cotton swabs: go directly to the emergency room or a specialist to avoid pushing it further in.
Regarding cleanliness, the rule is the same as for adults: Never insert cotton swabs or other objects into the canalSimply clean the visible area of the ear and the opening of the ear canal gently with a towel or gauze. If earwax buildup is suspected because the child's hearing is impaired or they complain of a blocked feeling, a healthcare professional will determine the best course of action.
Finally, it is advisable to monitor exposure to loud noises, noisy toys at high volume or the use of headphones in teenagersThe damage caused by cumulative noise can start very early if many hours a day are spent listening to loud music, playing video games with headphones, or in very noisy environments, so auditory education from a young age is key.
Hearing tests and ear health at any age
Hearing changes throughout life, and not always in the same way for everyone. Factors such as genetics, noise, certain illnesses, and lifestyle habits all contribute to this. Some people lose their hearing earlier and faster. than others, even within the same family.
Therefore, beyond the obvious symptoms, it is highly recommended to get into the habit of have your ear checked periodicallyIn people without risk factors, a check-up every few years may be sufficient, while in patients with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol or regular exposure to noise, more frequent check-ups are advised.
Associations specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of deafness usually propose a frequency of between 6 and 8 months for checkups In cases with increased risk or when some degree of hearing loss has already been detected, these checkups allow for adjusting treatments, assessing the use of hearing aids when necessary, and slowing the progression of the problem as much as possible.
A complete hearing consultation usually includes an examination of the auricle and ear canal, checking that no blockages, infections, or perforationsand various audiometric tests that quantify the ability to hear sounds of different frequencies and intensities. All of this helps to design a personalized care plan.
Maintaining good ear health also involves monitoring for general illnesses that can affect it. Proper control of blood pressure, blood sugar, and fat levels It reduces the risk of vascular damage to the inner ear, which is very sensitive to changes in blood flow, and should be considered. Vitamins to care for your hearing It can complement the general measures.
With all these habits—proper cleaning, protection from water and noise, caution with medications, and regular check-ups—one can reach adulthood and old age with much better preserved hearingTaking care of your ears today is, in reality, taking care of the quality of life of your future self, avoiding preventable hearing loss and annoying problems that can often be prevented with simple gestures.
