Page 10 - HTTN Magazine - April 2020 Edition

Y our ears are responsible for transmitting and receiving reactions. Discontinue use and seek immediate medical
assistance if you observe hearing loss or develop
sounds, maintaining body balance, enhancing
healthy interpersonal relations with others, and so
constant noise in your ears while on any medication.
much more. As important as they are, our ears require
special care. Here are some helpful tips on how to protect • Protect against infections: Moisture in the ear
your ears and keep them healthy. canal and piercings in the earlobes are likely breeding
grounds for infection-causing bacteria. To protect
• Clean your outer ears only: To keep the ears against these infections, always dry your ears with a
clean, you only need to clean the outer parts. Clean with clean dry towel after showering or swimming. Routine
water, gentle soap and a washcloth. Also wipe the outer cleaning of ear piercings and earrings with rubbing
curves with cotton swabs. alcohol is also advised.

• Never stick objects in your ears: A clean ear is • Avoid loud noise: The level of noise and duration
not wax-free. The ear is a self-cleaning organ, and is of exposure to it is a factor in hearing loss. To protect
designed to have some wax in it to prevent dust and your ears, we recommended using ear/headphones
other possibly harmful substances from entering the for a maximum of one hour daily at 60% volume. Wear
ears. Left alone, old earwax will naturally fall out due hearing protection during exposure to loud levels of
to jaw movement. Do not stick cotton swabs, Q-tips, noise while mowing the lawn, at a shooting range, at a
sharp or pointed objects in your ear canal. Some of sporting event, etc.
these objects may push the earwax further in, rather
than removing it, and this may lead to blockage, ear • Employ safety: Always wear protective helmets
trauma, and hearing loss eventually. If there is a buildup while engaging in any activity that may put you at
of earwax in your ear, seek professional help to have it risk of head or ear injuries. Change in pressure levels
removed. inside the ear is potentially harmful, so use earplugs or
practise swallowing and yawning often during air travel,
• Maintain a healthy diet: There are several especially during takeof and landing.
to
your hearing. The right kind of food will contribute to Not understanding what other people say and answering
your body’s immunity against age-related hearing loss, inappropriately ear
so practice sound dietary habits today, with adequate pain, and frequent hums/noise within your ears or head are
fruits, vegetables, nuts and proteins. just a few of the tell-tale signs of imminent hearing problems.
Seek medical advice when you experience any of these.
• Mind your meds: Some medications may cause
temporary or permanent hearing loss. Use medications Proper ear care will improve your overall health. Start today.
only as prescribed by a doctor, be sure to read up Improve the quality of your life by taking adequate care of
adverse your ears.

10 | Healing to the Nations