Taking care of your ears....

[c_olin]

I've recently realized that I could be taking much better care of my ears... I use q-tips in my ear canals (it feels too good), and I probably listen to music too loud. I always wear earplugs at live shows, though.

What are some things to stay away from. Any general tips to taking better care of my ears?

 

[guitar zero]

I recommend you keep your ears as far away as possible from any performances live or recorded by Kenny G. Also, I'd avoid speeches from most any politician, but especially Hillary Clinton. Your ears are too valuable!

 

[Chili]

I seriously believe my Harley is causing me problems. I've noticed a definite change with my right ear, the exhaust side of the bike. Screamin Eagle pipes aren't helping, either.

 

[guitar zero]

Mine has Sampson Street Sweepers on it, so it blows noise at parked cars and pedestrians instead of my ears.

 

[Dani Pace]

Wear earplugs when you ride the Harley. It's probably illegal but it would save your ears.

 

[Cosmic]

For starters, never, ever go to a rock/pop show without hearing protection. If it's a club situation, never sit near the speakers.

Be rigorous about length of exposure to louder noises. If you do listen to several things loudly, stop after that and give your ears breaks.

Don't mix or jam all day without frequent breaks; you'll just keep turning up the volume as your ears get tired.

If you use headphones a lot, clean the pads and innards on a regular basis with something like Windex.
Bacteria build up in there and get in your ears; repeated ear infections can kill your hearing too
(Which brings us to: keep your ears clean, and get tested on a regular basis.)

If something you own and listen to distorts (not the intentional kind) get rid of it. Distortion plus volume=
highs gone in your ears.

Don't use in-ear 'buds' with Ipods or the like in noisy environments. You are firstly overriding the ambient noise, so you are already loud, and then you add the 'comfortable listening level' and you are way above what you should be.

For the Harley riders: yes, an excellent way to go deaf.
Your bikes hurt my ears half a block away; no amount of money would get me (and my ears) on one of those.

Finally, be very aware of ringing in your ears, like when you lie in bed at night and it is quiet. A little ringing is a warning that Tinnitus could be on the way.

Basic stuff, but it never hurts to repeat it.

Best,
C.

 

[c_olin]

I've heard that using q-tips in your ears will push the wax into your ear canal.. I've been using q-tips all of my life. Is there anyway to clean out the wax from my ear canal? Or is the damage already done. My ears ring quite often... I should see an ear doctor :\

 

[Chili]

Wear earplugs when you ride the Harley. It's probably illegal but it would save your ears.

For the Harley riders: yes, an excellent way to go deaf.

When I first bought the bike, I didn't ride it very often. Now with gas prices the way they are, I'm riding everyday. I tried the foam ear plugs, but the wind pulls them out. Wearing a full helmut seems to make it worse, maybe because it resonates. I'll find something that works. Selling is not an option.

Is there anyway to clean out the wax from my ear canal?

Try using hydrogen peroxide on the q-tip. Let it soak in your ear for a few minutes and clean it out with a dry q-tip. There are also ear cleaning solutions on the market. Lastly, if your ears are ringing, you should see a doctor. It might be temporary due to a cold or inflammation and he can prescribe medicine. Mine gave me a steroid and it helped a lot.

Cheers,

 

[Cosmic]

For cleaning I use a rubber 'bulb' with tepid water. It's basically the home version of the pressure washer a doctor uses.

Fill sink partially with water, squeeze bulb and release under water to fill it.

Insert carefully in ear canal and blow the water into ear. Wait a bit and tip your head to let water exit.
It can be a bit messy and you can feel a bit dizzy from the water on the 'balance hairs' in the ears, but a few turns like that should dislodge any number of yucky things into the sink. And suddenly your high frequencies return

No guarantees, but it works for me. And no q-tips in the canal (which can puncture your eardrum.)

Best,
C.

 

[lyricalcharms]

I have heard and used Chilis method for cleaning out my ears.. when the proxide makes contact with the ear wax it basically foams up, so expect that bubbling sound in your ear.

I've heard it doesnt break down some of the bigger chunks of wax, and its usually those bigger chunks of wax that get pushed back via the Q-tip, and then start to build up blockage.

Theres the a single drop of hydrogen peroxide in your ear method, then laying on your side to let it drip out, after a few seconds of letting it settle. i guess it softens and loosens the bigger chunks of wax and helps them fall out. I've heard of people getting ear aches after useing a drop of hydrogen peroxide, but i've also been an example of it curing a small ear ache.

just more proof that everything u do in life is a risk.

Disclaimer... hahaha
It's common knowledge that sticking just about anything in your ears is a bad idea. Before trying the above, I would suggest talking to your doctor first.

 

[reddavid]

I recommend growing your hair long, like a hippy. IT makes you look cool, girls dig it, and it's nature's own pop shield.