I do not abuse the cotton swab
Because badly or too frequently used, it can promote earwax plugs, this yellowish waxy substance whose role is to filter and carry impurities to the outside of the ear. To keep them clean on a daily basis, we sprinkle them with water when showering, then dry them with the corner of the towel.
Cotton swab addicts will make sure to use it only outside, that is to say on the pinna and the entrance to the ear canal, without pushing it too deep at the risk of pushing back and agglutinating the earwax. at the bottom of the duct. The correct frequency of cleaning according to ENT doctors is once every 8-10 days, going no further than our little finger could.
I protect them from noise
• Wearing earplugs (wax, foam, silicone …) when you are in a noisy environment (more than 85 dB). For musicians and fans of concerts and nightclubs, there are earplugs with acoustic filters, more expensive but more effective when the noise level exceeds 100 dB.
• Keeping a distance of at least 2 meters from the baffles, even if you wear suitable plugs.
• Listening to music at a reasonable volume (ideally at half the maximum volume which is around 100 dB) whether through headphones or speakers.
• By limiting the listening time to your mp3 player via earphones to 20 hours per week, without exceeding 4 hours in a row, by taking a break after 2 hours.
I bring them the right nutrients
Studies have shown that certain foods may delay age-related hearing loss. For example, significant contributions in omega-3 (fatty fish, avocado, rapeseed oil, etc.) have been associated with a decrease in risk of hearing loss in women and people over 50.
According to American and Korean researchers, beta-carotene (carrots, sweet potato, red peppers …), vitamin C and magnesium (green vegetables, whole grains, oilseeds …) promote good hearing. Obviously, eating well is not enough to preserve hearing and even less to restore it, but adopting these good habits on a daily basis is already taking care of your ears!
I hear less well? I react !
Feeling of blocked ear (s)? Impression of hearing less well on the phone or in front of the television? Difficulty understanding during a conversation with several people or in a noisy environment? It may be a plug of earwax or the beginning of presbycusis, the natural aging of the auditory system which initially leads to a hearing loss in high frequencies (the most used for speaking). In all cases, an appointment is made with the doctor who can, if necessary, refer to an ENT specialist or a hearing assessment.
Read also :
Infographic: how do we hear?
Sudden deafness: how to react?
