Most of us take our hearing and ears for granted, but if you take time to care for your ears, you can protect them from damage and prevent premature hearing loss. There are several recommended tips for looking after your ears which we’ll look at in this guide.

Keep the Volume Down

Whether it’s watching TV or listening to music, it’s best to keep the volume at the lowest point possible. Blasting out any kind of audio for regular or long periods of time can have long-term effects on hearing. Listening to music through earbuds or headphones also needs to be at a comfortable volume, as constant exposure to excessive volumes can cause irreversible damage. And if you are someone who goes to see live music, consider using earplugs to avoid developing tinnitus, which is constant buzzing or ringing in the ears.

Avoid Cotton Buds

Ears are designed to clean themselves  and are meant to have a small amount of ear wax inside the ear canal to protect against dirt, dust and infections. This naturally moves from the inner ear outwards as the ear self-cleans. Cotton buds should not be used to clean, as any wax might end up pushed further into the ear canal. If you believe you have a problem with ear wax or are experiencing any discomfort, it should only be removed by a professional, and if you are looking for ear wax removal Cowbridge, there are several firms such as Earwax website who are trained in how to do it safely.

Some people buy over-the-counter drops, but these are also advised against, as some ingredients can irritate the skin of the ear canal. To keep your ears clean and healthy, you can gently clean around the outer ear with a clean soft cloth when you take a shower or bath.

Get Tested

Have regular hearing tests to ensure your ears are in good shape and to prevent irreparable hearing loss, as professionals will tell you if there is any damage and what can be done to address any problems they find.