Remember the time when your mother pestered you to wash your hands well before meals.
Well, she did that for a reason.
Personal hygiene is extremely essential for a good mind, body and soul. These basic habits that we are taught as little humans shape who and how we become adults. Let’s look at one of the essential parts of the body that is often ignored. Your ears.
Not many people realize this, but ear care is also part of personal hygiene. Your ear has three parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. You have to take care of the external ear and not the other two parts since they are internal. The visible part of your outer ear is known as the pinna and that is the entrance to the ear canal that leads to the eardrum.
Ear wax and its importance
Ear wax is present in all of us and its main function is to be a protective barrier between the inner ear, the middle ear and external sounds. Wax periodically accumulates in the external ear. This happens for many reasons. Some of us have an anatomical narrowing of the ear that prevents the wax from coming out naturally. Prolonged use of earphones, headphones or earphones can interfere with earwax excretion. Some people may have more wax buildup than others. Earwax buildup can cause serious concerns that can affect a person’s hearing. He or she may have difficulty hearing which can become extremely uncomfortable in due course. It also causes vertigo (dizziness) and, in extreme cases, can also cause ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus.
Many ENT doctors these days do not recommend the use of any equipment in conjunction with trying to clean or remove wax from inside the ear. One needs to clean the auricle with soap and water, however, any attempt to go deeper may cause minor discomfort. The use of cotton swabs once recommended by previous generations is now considered a dangerous practice and can cause irreparable damage to the nerves of the inner ear as well as push wax deeper, which can lead to infections and blockages.
Whether at home, work or school, you need to take care of your ears. In case you like to listen to music, avoid high volume levels when using stereos and home theater systems. Don’t forget to wear earplugs at nightclubs, rock concerts, motorsports events and even when you go swimming.
It is good practice to include ear examination and cleaning in your daily cleaning routine. You should have your ears checked regularly by your GP and, if necessary, go to an otolaryngologist who can give you a clearer diagnosis of the condition of your ears. Personal hygiene is an essential component of healthy living and if you’ve neglected it until now, it’s never too late to start now.