Unless you’re an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT), you probably don’t think about ear health on a daily basis. People who struggle with ear-related conditions like chronic ear infections or excessive wax buildup know just how much ear health matters. There are many mindful things you can do to maintain healthy ears and healthy hearing for a lifetime. If you haven’t been giving your ears extra TLC, it’s time to listen up!

Diet & nutrition

Did you know certain foods can help you maintain your ear health? Minerals found in your favorite foods can be beneficial for your hearing. Just like calcium helps build strong bones, potassium, folic acid, magnesium and zinc can add another level of protection for your ears.

So whether it’s fighting off germs that can lead to ear infections or keeping loud noises from damaging your inner ear, a balanced diet can help.

Keep your ears clean & dry

If you’re active in the water, whether it’s swimming in a pool, a lake or the ocean, make sure you take extra care to keep your ears free from bacteria and the risk of infections. A popular name for an infection in the outer ear canal is swimmer’s ear. It’s a painful condition that usually occurs after water gets trapped in your ear where bacteria or fungal organisms can spread.

One way to avoid contamination is to give your ears a chance to dry completely. If you’re an avid swimmer, think about using earplugs or a swim cap to protect your ears from too much wetness.

Protect against noise

Your ears are highly sensitive instruments, so you need to think about keeping them safe from loud noises. While we encounter noise pollution daily, some noises are actually harmful over time. Consistent exposure to noises over 90 decibels can cause long-term damage to your eardrum, which leads to permanent hearing loss.

Loud sounds from things like rock concerts, jackhammers or jet planes are well over 90 decibels. It’s hard to anticipate loud noises, but you can always have a pair of earplugs with you just in case.

Safe earwax removal

The older we get, the more likely we are to suffer from earwax buildup. The right amount of earwax is beneficial because it moisturizes the ear canal and acts a layer of protection against bacteria, dust and dirt. Too much earwax can cause clogged hearing or a blockage that can lead to infection.

The safest way to remove excess earwax is to soften it and let it naturally drain out of your ear. Debrox® was designed to do this safely and effectively with a special microfoam cleansing action. That’s why it’s the #1 doctor recommended brand for safe earwax removal.   

Annual checkups

According to a recent article in Harvard Health Publishing, “At age 65, one out of three people has hearing loss, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America, but sometimes it's not bad enough to interfere with their daily lives, so they just endure it.”

Even if it seems insignificant, let your doctor know if you’ve noticed a decrease in hearing. There are many ways to address hearing issues once you know what you’re dealing with, so you can maintain an active, happy and healthy lifestyle.

Want to learn more? Get your ear care education from Debrox®, the #1 doctor recommended brand for safe earwax removal.