How to look after your ears

Hearing plays a pivotal role throughout our lives, integral to our jobs, social activities and so much more. Yet, despite this, we often overlook the care our ears need to stay healthy.

Research conducted by Hear4U suggests that an estimated 12 million people in the UK live with hearing loss greater than 25dB, which is equivalent to 1 in 5 people. With these figures projected to rise to 14.2 million by 2035, it’s clear that investing in our hearing should be a top priority for everyone. 

In this blog, we’ll explore why ear care is important, how you can protect your ears from loud noises and when to seek professional help.

The importance of ear care

Our auditory systems are incredibly intricate, with our ears performing dual functions, allowing us to hear and maintain balance. The inner ear, which houses the cochlea and vestibular system, plays a critical role in processing sound waves, while also keeping us upright and balanced. Any disruptions to this system can have a significant impact not only on our ability to hear but also on the rest of our bodies.

So, how can we keep our ear health in check? Fortunately, our ears are naturally self-cleaning, meaning that in essence, they work to protect their sensitive system. The ear canal produces ear wax (cerumen), which traps any dirt, dust or debris that falls into the ear, preventing them from reaching the inner ear. Tiny, hair-like structures within the ear canal work to slowly move the earwax outward, where it typically dries up and falls away, leaving your ears clean again.

However, that’s not to say your ear’s natural cleaning process is fool proof. Issues such as excessive ear wax production and improper cleaning techniques can arise and interfere with this system; leading to blockages, discomfort or even hearing loss.

Protecting your ears from loud noises

Prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause irreversible damage to your hearing, but that’s not to say there aren’t ways to protect your ears from more damage in the future.

Concerts

If you are a regular concertgoer, you’ll have most likely experienced a slight ringing in your ears afterwards, also known as temporary tinnitus. Using custom-made ear protection or noise-cancelling headphones can significantly reduce any damage caused by the loud noise while still allowing you to enjoy the music. 

Custom earplugs are a firm favourite amongst hearing specialists, as they are designed to fit your ears perfectly, offering you optimal comfort and protection from harmful noise levels without distorting the sound. 

Whilst these are the best ways to protect your ears against loud music, it’s always recommended to take regular, short breaks to give your ears a chance to recover from the intensity of the noise. Not only do these small breaks reduce the strain on your auditory system, but they also lower the risk of long-term damage, such as tinnitus or permanent hearing loss.

Headphone Use

Headphones are a brilliant way to listen to your favourite music, movies or podcasts without disturbing those around you. Yet doing so at high volumes for an extended period can cause irreversible damage and increase your risk of developing tinnitus. Tinnitus, a persistent ringing or buzzing within the ears, can disrupt your sleep, impair focus and affect your overall quality of life.

One of the simplest ways to safeguard your ears is to keep the volume at a moderate level. A good rule of thumb is that if you can’t hear external sounds around you, or if someone close to you can hear your music through your headphones, the volume is too high. 

Another way to reduce noise damage is investing in noise-cancelling headphones. Noise-cancelling headphones have risen in popularity over the years, blocking out distracting external noise, so that you can hear more clearly without needing to turn up the volume.

Workplace noise

Excessive workplace noise isn’t just irritating, it can also have a serious impact on your ear health over time. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds such as heavy machinery can more often than not lead to noise-induced hearing loss, a condition that often develops gradually over time but is permanent and irreversible.

Beyond hearing damage, consistently high noise levels can also contribute to increased stress, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, which will not only disturb your productivity but your overall well-being too. 

If you’re frequently exposed to unsafe noise levels at work, the most important thing to do is address the issue with your employer. Workplace safety regulations in many countries require employers to provide hearing protection, such as earplugs or ear defenders, as well as implementing further noise-reducing measures where possible.

Seeking professional help

Knowing when to seek professional advice is a necessary part of looking after your ears. If you notice symptoms such as persistent ringing in your ears (tinnitus), difficulty following conversations, or a sensation of fullness in your ears, it’s important that you contact an audiologist. Early intervention can identify and address any problems and risks before they become more serious.

Regular hearing tests are another significant step in maintaining your ear health. Whilst most of us prioritise our doctor and dentist appointments, booking hearing tests and check-ups is just as important. For most adults, getting your hearing checked at least once every three years is sufficient, or more frequently if you work in a noisy environment or have a history of hearing problems.

Audiologists can also offer safe and effective ear wax removal services, a great solution for managing ear wax build-up. Unlike at-home methods, such as cotton buds and candling, which will most often cause more harm than good, professional ear wax removal is gentle and thorough, relieving any discomfort you may be feeling instantly, whilst preventing blockages for longer.

Nathan Gluck Hearing Care is an independent audiology company in London, with clinics in Golders Green and Potters Bar, and home visit appointments available in the WD, EN, HA, NW and N postcodes. 

Find out more about our hearing services or book an appointment.