A sudden pain in the ear, pressure sensation, or blocked ear – that’s when we notice our ears!
As an ENT specialist in Navi Mumbai, with over two decades of practice, I have met people who never thought that using tiny cotton buds to clean their ears could do more harm than good.
Similarly, listening to music wearing earbuds for long hours can be harmful.
It’s essential to care for our ears.
here, I’m sharing a few practical, ENT specialist-approved tips that you can follow to help you take better care of your ears and prevent common ear related issues such as impacted wax, injury to ear drum, reduced hearing, ear pain, fungal infections, before they begin and also maintain hearing health.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds, such as traffic-noise, concerts, or from personal headphones, can lead to permanent hearing loss (Noise-Induced Hearing Loss – NIHL) and tinnitus.
✅ Use hearing protection: Wear earplugs or noise protection in loud environments, especially if you work in such industries. .
✅ Avoid using ear buds/headphone
✅ Opt for noise-canceling headphones instead of increasing volume to block out background noise.
Read about safe decibels for hearing, at hearing health foundation website.
Mumbai’s humid climate increases the risk of fungal ear infections like swimmer’s ear (otitis externa).
✅ Dry your ears properly after swimming by tilting your head to drain water.
✅ Avoid inserting cotton earbuds /Q-tips—they can push wax deeper and cause blockages or injuries.
✅ If prone to infections, use ear-drying drops (consult an ENT specialist first).
Earwax is our natural secretion which protects the ear canal, but excessive buildup can lead to hearing problems and discomfort.
✅ DO NOT use cotton buds, ear candles, fingers, or sharp objects, they can push wax deeper.
✅ Use ear drops to soften wax if needed.
✅ If you experience blockage, visit an ENT doctor near you for safe removal of wax.
Many people experience ear ear pain due to air pressure changes during flights , specially during landing and take-off.
✅ Swallowing movement, yawning, or chewing gum helps equalize pressure.
✅ Do not sleep during take-off or landing
✅ If you have sinus congestion or cold, use a nasal spray or decongestant tablets before takeoff.
Hearing loss is often unnoticed or ignored until it affects daily life . If you frequently ask people to repeat themselves or find it difficult to hear in noisy places, it’s time for a hearing test.
✅ Visit an ENT specialist and Audiologist for regular ear / hearing check-ups, especially if you’re over 40 or work in noisy environments.
✅ Early detection of hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo allows for better treatment options.
Your overall health directly affects your ears. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking can contribute to hearing loss and tinnitus.
✅ Control diabetes & blood pressure to protect inner ear blood circulation.
✅ Stay hydrated—good blood flow is essential for ear health.
✅ Quit smoking—smoking increases the risk of hearing loss and tinnitus.
Visit an ENT clinic if you experience:
Persistent ear pain or infections
Sudden or gradual hearing loss
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues
Blocked ears due to excessive wax
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to long-term complications, so seeking expert medical advice from an ENT doctor near you is always recommended.
Caring for your ears is simple but crucial. By following these ENT-approved tips, you can prevent common ear problems and maintain healthy hearing .
Need expert ear care? Book an appointment at Dr. Archana Jhawar’s ENT Clinic in Navi Mumbai for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Read about common causes of ear pain in my next blog post. Stay tuned.
Protect your ears by limiting exposure to loud noise, using noise-canceling headphones, following the 60/60 rule (keep headphone volume below 60% and listen for no more than 60 minutes at a time), and scheduling regular hearing check-ups.
Your ears naturally clean themselves, so you do not need any ear cleaning at home. Avoid cotton swabs or ear candles. If you have excess earwax consult an ENT specialist for professional ear cleaning.
Early symptoms include struggling to hear conversations in noisy environments, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and difficulty understanding phone calls.
To prevent infections, keep your ears dry after swimming or bathing, avoid inserting foreign objects, and maintain good ear hygiene. If you’re prone to infections, consult an ENT doctor for preventive care.
Visit an ENT doctor if you experience:
Yes, prolonged headphone use at high volumes can cause Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Use noise-canceling headphones and follow safe listening practices to protect your hearing.
Air pressure changes during flights can cause ear pain (barotrauma). Swallowing, yawning, chewing gum, or using filtered earplugs can help equalize pressure and prevent discomfort.
Tinnitus can be temporary or chronic. Avoid loud noise exposure, manage stress, and seek treatment from an ENT specialist or audiologist for sound therapy or tinnitus management strategies.
Read my next blog about common causes of ear pain.
Hi, I’m Dr. Archana Jhawar, an ENT specialist with over 24 years of experience. I specialize in tinnitus treatment, vertigo , ear care, and ear surgeries, practicing at Neoalta Clinic, Vashi, and Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Navi Mumbai. I’ve trained in vertigo management and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), combining science with compassion to offer holistic, evidence-based care. I’m passionate about writing, poetry, music, yoga, and photography.
