Most of us believe that using ear buds is an important part of ear hygiene. We couldn’t have been more wrong. Our ears only get harmed with ear buds. The buds not only hurt the skin in the ear canal, they might also cause further trouble by pushing the ear wax in our ear further inside the canal and ultimately get them impacted. It is tougher to remove an impacted ear wax as it causes more pain and the patient also suffers from ear block. Here is an article to provide you with tips (not Q-tips) to help you maintain ear hygiene.

1. Clean your ears regularly
   Cleaning your ears regularly is an important part of ear care. It is important to keep your ears clean, but you should avoid using cotton swabs or any other objects that may push wax further into your ear canal. Instead, use a warm washcloth to gently clean the outer ear. If you have excessive earwax, you should consult an ENT surgeon for safe removal.
2. Protect your ears from loud noise
   Exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss. If you work in a noisy environment, make sure to wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect your ears. When listening to music for a long time using earphones, make sure that the volume is not too loud for you.
3. Avoid putting foreign objects in your ears
   It is essential to avoid putting foreign objects in your ears, including cotton swabs, bobby pins, or anything else that can damage your eardrum. This can lead to infection, hearing loss, and other serious problems.
4. Get your ears and hearing checked regularly
   It is recommended to get your hearing checked every two years to monitor any changes in your hearing. Get your ears checked for wax by an ENT surgeon every 6 months and get them removed if necessary. Do not attempt to remove ear wax on your own. If you experience hearing loss or any other ear problems, consult an ENT surgeonas soon as possible.
5. Avoid self-medication
   Do not use over-the-counter ear drops for ear pain without getting your ears checked first. Because, in some ear conditions, ear drops are particularly contraindicated and they may worsen your existing condition. Also, avoid pouring oils or other liquids into the ear as a part of your “routine” as they may weaken the tympanic membrane and may even lead to perforation and middle ear infection.

If you experience hearing loss or any other ear problems, consult an ENT surgeon as soon as possible.