Taking care of your ears
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The ear is more than just an organ for hearing. They are in charge of collecting sounds, processing them, and sending sound signals to the brain. It also plays a major role in the sense of balance and body position. Furthermore, the ears also have an effect on facial appearance. Too large, deformed or protruding ears can ruin a beautiful face!
The following are simple tips on how to protect the ears from damage, infection and hearing loss. Unlike other organs, the ears don't ask for much. They don't need to be brushed like teeth or trimmed like toenails. All the ears need is to be washed regularly, so just wash them with soap and water while in the bath or shower. Use a washcloth-covered finger only. Never put anything inside your ear canal, including cotton swabs. Your ear canal is very narrow, and a swab or finger can damage it; they can also cause ear wax to get pushed against the ear drum, which can cause hearing problems.
Avoid blows to the outer ear. If you engage in contact sports like wrestling, boxing or soccer, wear headgear that includes protection for your ears. Repeated blows to the outer ear can result in a condition called cauliflower ear, in which the cartilage of the ear is damaged and the ear becomes deformed. Not even the biggest or most brilliant diamond stud can beautify a deformed earlobe!
Leave ear wax alone. Wax is your ear's way of trapping and eliminating anything foreign that gets into the ear canal. Most people don't need to clean wax out of their ears. If you find you have too much ear wax (it's visible in the ear or it's affecting your hearing), use a few drops of ear wax remover or hydrogen peroxide in the canal. After a few minutes, flush the ear with a rubber bulb and tepid water.
Protect your hearing by avoiding noisy places. My friend Shaun Olmstead didn’t bother to put on earplugs while in a NASCAR racetrack and almost lost his hearing! Other noisy venues to be avoided are firing ranges, rock concerts and construction sites. Any place where you have to shout to be heard should be avoided. If you choose to go anyway, wear earplugs.
See your doctor if you have an earache. Ear infections can damage the ear drum or the bones of the middle ear, causing hearing loss. Your doctor may prescribe medication or order a minor surgical procedure to help you if you suffer from frequent infections.
Be careful with illness and medications. Respiratory illnesses should be treated to avoid their spread to the ears. Certain medications can damage hearing; take only what's prescribed for you and follow the directions carefully. Avoid others who are ill; some illnesses can only be treated with antibiotics that can damage hearing.
Stop smoking. Smokers are more likely to lose their hearing than non-smokers.
See your doctor if you suffer from sudden hearing loss or hear noises in your head (tinnitus). These can be symptoms of a serious illness which needs to be treated.
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