LIBERTY Hearing & Health

5 Tips for Healthy Summertime Ears

#1 - Listen to your Music at Safe Levels

Did you know that research has shown that kids report having to turn up the TV or have actually reported episodes of tinnitus?

Long-term exposure to high volume levels can gradually wear out the tiny hair cells of the inner ear that convert sound into nerve signals that go to the brain.

• Check out noise-reducing headphones. That way, you don't have to crank up the music volume to cancel out party noise or beach shouts.
• Don't stand or sit right next to a speaker at a party or concert.
• Parents should note: Do not let your child fall asleep with earbuds in. Make sure their devices are set at 60 or lower.

#2 -  Clean your Ears Carefully

Earwax may look unsightly, but it is designed to protect the ear. When it migrates to the outside, you can clean it off with a washcloth.

Sticking something in your ear canal to get out wax can push the wax farther in and compact it.

If your ear is impacted with ear wax, see your doctor who can safely clear it out for you.

#3 -  How to Treat Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer's ear is caused by any number of common bacteria found in lakes, hot tubs, and pools. In many cases, the infection gets going from a trauma in the ear canal – possibly a nick or scratch.

Swimmer's ear starts out as itching and maybe some soreness inside the ear but soon becomes severely painful and swollen, especially if you press on the little flap next to the ear opening.

The doctor may clean everything out. If the ear is swollen shut at this point, he or she may also put in a wick, which is a cellulose sponge that will carry the prescription drops to the infection.

#4 -  Pierce Only in the Lobe

As for piercing, it is recommended to stick with the lobe area, which has a good blood supply to fight infection. Piercing up the curve goes into cartilage, which has a shortage of blood and where a serious infection can get going and not leave. 

Take care of newly pierced ears as instructed. Wash your hands before handling the area. Then soak a cotton ball in alcohol and rub it around over the earring and post several times a day. If the lobe starts to get hot or itchy (hours or days after the piercing), you may have an infection. If this cannot be stopped with antibiotic cream, you may need to let the hole close.

#5 -  Plane-Proof Your Ears

 During takeoffs and landings you want to chew, yawn, swallow -- anything to move the pressure around when landing.  If you have problems with this you can even take an oral decongestant before leaving.

Children can be especially susceptible. Don't let your child remain asleep during landings. Make sure they are drinking, chewing gum or if they're babies, a pacifier always helps!