The ear wax people try to remove because they assume it makes the hearing organ dirty is actually the substance that keeps ears clean.
In fact, ear wax serves as nature’s sticky conveyor belt in a process called epithelial migration. When you talk or chew, the movement of your jaw jump starts the process of wax working from the inside out to carry dead skin, dirt and old wax to the outer ear.
In just 73 words, you’ve learned that wax is good. Wax is a cleaner. And wax moves. In rare circumstances, people or their physicians might need to loosen and flush out wax, but generally, leaving wax in place is best for ear health.
That means if removing wax, especially with a cotton swab or foreign object, has been a part of your self-care routine, you now know why it’s best to stop that practice.
Ear wax, medically known as cerumen, plays many roles in protecting your inner ear and, therefore, your hearing, according to Harvard Health. Specifically, it serves as a barrier to stop bacteria from traveling to the inner ear; it collects dirt and dust so they don’t travel deeper into the ear, and it moisturizes the inner ear.
While cerumen does its job to protect your ears and hearing, you should do yours, too. That means focusing on hygiene, protection, nutrition and exams.
Ears are like cats and ovens. They’re self-cleaners. Wait for the cerumen to carry debris to the surface, and then use a warm, damp cloth to wipe it away, MD Andersen Center recommends.
That practice is a good self-care tip to prevent acne in the ear. If pimples or blackheads form in the outer ear, resist the urge to squeeze them. Instead, apply a small amount of acne treatment gels or creams.
Protect your ears from noise, water and punctures. Exercise caution when using earbuds, wearing headphones, playing music and attending concerts.
Whether your taste tilts toward Andrea Bocelli or Andre’ 3000 or somewhere in between, concert tickets are expensive. But don’t stay in the arena or auditorium to get your money’s worth. Take a 15-minute break from the main venue every hour. Or do what the Cleveland Clinic suggests and wear earplugs.
Avoid the risk of puncturing your eardrum by never putting anything smaller than your finger inside of your ear.
According to information from the American Medical Association and the American Association of Retired People, specific foods contribute to protecting ear health and hearing.
These foods are rich in antioxidants and are often incorporated into diets designed to enhance vascular health. They include dark leafy vegetables, bananas, carrots, blueberries, broccoli and bell peppers.
Hearing exams are an essential component of protecting your hearing and ears. Confer with your physician about how often you should have hearing exams and what type based on your age, health and noise exposure.
