It’s easy to learn about avoiding a cold, and simple hygiene like caring for hair isn’t too complicated, but certain areas of the body are surrounded with a bit more mystery. The ears aren’t often a topic of conversation and that’s why some patients end up with common ear health ailments like earaches, which may come with more problems than you think. Here are three health facts you probably didn’t know about ear health.
Ear Infections Mainly Affect Young People
Have you ever noticed that adults rarely call in sick because of an ear infection? If you’re a parent or caretaker, chances are your child has had an ear infection at least once because they are most common among children. Infants and toddlers between the ages of six months and three years have smaller auditory tubes (the tube that leads to the middle ear), so they account for the majority of middle ear infections. Children ages 7-12 will more commonly have outer ear infections due to insufficient personal hygiene and outdoor activities. Surprisingly, children between 4-7 years old seem to get fewer ear infections than their younger and older peers.
Swimmer’s Ear Isn’t Always from Swimming
Many athletes in Hopewell have experienced a case of external otitis, an infection that involves the ear canal and outer ear. Most believe it is caused from spending too much time swimming and that’s why it has affectionately been named “swimmer’s ear” by those most affected by it. However, swimmer’s ear simply occurs from excess time spent in water. It affects swimmers, and it can affect surfers, kayakers or divers, but it has even been connected to those with poor hygiene habits! After spending time in water – whether it’s a swimming pool or the bathtub – make sure to dry your skin and don’t sit around with wet hair or garments around the ears too often.
Watch for Earwax Buildup
Everyone has a collection of cotton swabs to clean out their ears, but did you know that this could actually make earwax buildup worse? Only use cotton swabs to clean the outside folds of the ear, never go inside—because instead of cleaning them out, you might only push the wax further inside.
Your ears are an important part of living a healthy life. If infections and wax build up are becoming a problem, it is important to see an ENT doctor. They will be able to show you how to care for your ears properly, diagnose any conditions or prescribe you a treatment. Schedule an appointment today and learn how to protect one of the most important parts of the body.
