Ears: Simple, Practical Care and Common Problems
Your ears work all the time, and most people only notice them when there's pain, ringing, or hearing drops. That makes sense — ears are quiet until they aren't. This page gives clear, useful advice you can use today: how to prevent problems, when to clean, what to avoid, and when to see a clinician.
First, basic ear care is simpler than you think. Never stick cotton swabs or any object deep into the ear canal. Swabs push wax deeper and can damage the eardrum. Instead, wipe the outer ear with a damp cloth after showers. If wax builds up and causes muffled hearing, try a few drops of mineral oil or over‑the‑counter carbamide peroxide for a few days, then let gravity do the rest. If problems persist, see a provider, don’t keep poking at it.
Common ear problems and what to do
Ear infections, swimmer's ear, impacted wax, tinnitus (ringing), and sudden hearing loss are common issues. For swimmer's ear (pain and discharge after water exposure), dry the ear gently and use recommended drops; if pain and fever come, contact a clinician. Middle ear infections in kids often need medical assessment and sometimes antibiotics. Tinnitus can come from loud noise, medication side effects, or earwax; a hearing test helps find the cause.
Sudden hearing loss is an emergency. If one ear suddenly sounds quieter or sounds are distorted, get medical attention within 24‑48 hours. Early treatment can make a big difference.
Everyday habits that protect hearing
Protect your ears from loud sounds. Use earplugs at concerts, while mowing the lawn, or when using power tools. Keep volume moderate on headphones — a good rule is the 60/60 guideline: no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. Take regular quiet breaks so your ears can recover.
If you work in noisy environments, get regular hearing checks and use hearing protection consistently. Smoking and uncontrolled high blood pressure can worsen hearing loss over time, so addressing those helps your ears too.
Kids need special attention. Clean only what you can see, never use small objects, and protect their ears during flights by chewing or sucking on a snack to equalize pressure. For persistent ear pain or balance problems, see a pediatrician.
If you wear hearing aids or earphones, keep them clean and dry. Replace earpads and filters as recommended and schedule regular checkups with an audiologist to keep performance optimal.
When in doubt, ask a clinician. Online advice helps, but hands‑on checks, hearing tests, and proper ear inspections give the answers you need. Treat your ears well — they handle a lot more than you probably notice.
Some medicines can affect hearing or cause ringing. Common culprits include high doses of aspirin, certain antibiotics, and some chemotherapy drugs. If your hearing changes after starting a medication, contact your prescriber. Keep a list of drugs and bring it to appointments — it speeds diagnosis and avoids needless tests today.
