THESE TWO INGREDIENTS CAN HELP REMOVE EARWAX AND PREVENT EAR INFECTIONS
To prepare an ear health solution, combine equal parts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Begin with a small quantity, roughly a teaspoon of each, and blend them in a small bowl or cup. You may prepare a larger batch to keep for future use, but it's best to test a small amount first to see how you respond.
For application, mix the ingredients and use a sterile dropper to administer about half the solution into one ear, tilting your head sideways. Hold this position for a minute to let the solution work, then lean over a sink to let it drain out.
Do the same with the remaining solution in the other ear, allowing it to sit for a minute before draining.
Dr. Robert L. Martin, an audiologist, warns that alcohol can dehydrate the ear, potentially leading to cracked and bleeding skin. This remedy is intended for those needing to remove moisture from the ear, not for those in dry conditions.
Dr. Martin recommends using this treatment twice daily for four days if your ears have been wet, like after swimming. For persistently moist ears or in humid climates, use it twice weekly for several months.
EARWAX PREVENTION
This preventive tool is strongly recommended for individuals who often experience swimmer's ear or sinus infections that may extend to the ear. It should be utilized as a precaution, not as a treatment for an already infected ear.
Factors that increase the risk of ear infections include:
- Elevated outdoor temperatures
- Increased humidity
- Prolonged exposure to moisture
Swimmers, individuals who frequently have water enter their ears during showers or baths, and residents of warm, humid areas are at a higher risk of infection. These conditions create ideal environments for the growth of fungi and bacteria.
To prevent infections, it's crucial to keep the inside of your ears dry. Wear earplugs while swimming, snorkeling, or diving. Avoid allowing shower water to flow into your ears by not tilting your head. If water does enter your ear, pat the outer ear dry with a towel, tilt your head to drain the water, and gently use a cotton swab to remove any remaining moisture.
SYMPTOMS OF AN EAR INFECTION
Both bacteria and fungi can thrive in a moist environment within the ear. These organisms may cause the discomfort and infection associated with an earache. Should these symptoms arise, it is advisable to consult a medical professional instead of resorting to home remedies like vinegar and alcohol. The latter is intended for the prevention of ear issues, not as a treatment. Symptoms of an ear infection include:
- Itching
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Hearing loss
- Sensation of fullness in the ear
- Feeling of fluid in the ear
EARWAX PROBLEMS
Naturally, the ear should not accumulate wax as it has a self-cleaning mechanism. However, attempts to clean the ear can inadvertently push wax deeper into the ear canal with tools like cotton swabs. Symptoms of earwax buildup, which may mimic those of an infection, include:
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Itching
- Discharge
- Reduced hearing
- Sensation of a blocked ear
- Itchiness
- Pain
HEALTHY EARS
Dr. Martin states that the ear naturally cleans itself, so we should avoid washing the inside of the ear canal with soap or water. He mentions that ear wax cannot be dissolved with water, making such cleaning ineffective.
The symptoms of earwax buildup and an ear infection are often similar, so self-diagnosis is not recommended. If symptoms are present, it may be too late for preventative measures.
It's crucial to protect your hearing and seek advice from an audiologist or an otolaryngologist at the first sign of trouble.
Before using home remedies like vinegar and alcohol in your ears, it may be necessary to seek conventional medical treatment. For future prevention of ear health issues, swimmers can use ear plugs to keep their ear canals dry.
Source: powerofpositivity
Comments
Post a Comment