How can I protect my ears from infections?
April 17, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Gerald Reimann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Laura Ackermann and I have been experiencing increased problems with my ears lately. It often feels like they are blocked and I have difficulty hearing as usual. Additionally, I feel like they are more frequently inflamed and I experience pain. I am concerned that these symptoms could be due to an infection and would like to know how to protect my ears from such infections.
I work in an office and often wear headphones to listen to music or make phone calls. Could this be a possible cause of my issues? Also, I regularly use public transportation and feel that the air there is often very dry. Could this have an impact on the health of my ears?
I have tried cleaning my ears regularly with cotton swabs, but I am unsure if this is the right method. Are there specific products or techniques that I should use to effectively clean my ears and prevent infections?
What other measures could I take to keep my ears healthy? Are there certain behaviors I should avoid to minimize the risk of infections? I would greatly appreciate concrete recommendations and tips on how to protect my ears.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Laura Ackermann
Dear Mrs. Ackermann,
Thank you for your detailed description of your ear problems. It is understandable that you are concerned and looking for ways to prevent infections and keep your ears healthy. I will try to answer your questions as comprehensively as possible.
The symptoms you described such as blocked ears, pain, and reduced hearing can indeed indicate an infection. Often, such complaints are due to inflammation of the outer or inner ear canal. A common cause of ear infections is moisture that can build up when wearing headphones. The moisture and warmth create ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria or fungi, which can lead to inflammation. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly dry the ears after wearing headphones and clean them regularly.
Dry air in public transportation can also affect the health of the ears. Dry air can cause the mucous membranes in the ears to dry out and become more susceptible to infections. It is therefore advisable to drink regularly in such environments to moisten the mucous membranes, and if necessary, use nasal sprays to keep the nasal passages moist.
Cleaning the ears with cotton swabs is not a recommended method, as it can increase the risk of injury or worsening of ear problems. Instead, I recommend using special ear sprays or drops that help gently dissolve earwax and flush it out. If you have stubborn earwax or discomfort, you should see an ear, nose, and throat specialist who can offer professional help.
To keep your ears healthy and prevent infections, it is important to practice regular ear hygiene. Avoid cleaning your ears with sharp objects like cotton swabs and make sure to thoroughly dry your ears after showering or swimming. Wearing ear protection in loud environments can also help reduce the risk of damage and infections.
In summary, I recommend regularly cleaning your ears, ensuring good ventilation and moisturization of the ears, as well as being mindful of using headphones and dry air in public transportation. If the symptoms persist or worsen, please consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
I hope this information was helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Gerald Reimann
