Your ears do much more than allow you to enjoy music and conversation. Hearing helps you communicate, recognize warning sounds and stay connected to the world around you, while structures within the inner ear also contribute to balance.
Some causes of hearing loss cannot be prevented, but many everyday habits can help protect your ears and reduce your exposure to avoidable hearing damage.
One of the most important principles is surprisingly simple:
Your ear canal usually does not need to be cleaned internally.
Earwax is not simply dirt. It performs useful protective functions, and inserting objects into your ears can cause more problems than it solves.
Why Is Hearing Protection Important?
Hearing can be damaged gradually through repeated exposure to loud sounds or suddenly by an extremely intense sound.
Noise-induced hearing loss can be permanent.
The risk depends on both:
- how loud the sound is, and
- how long you are exposed to it.
The louder the sound, the less time it takes for potentially harmful exposure to occur.
This makes hearing protection important not only in noisy workplaces but also during concerts, sporting events, festivals, hobbies and everyday headphone use.
What Is Earwax?
Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced within the ear canal.
It helps:
- trap dust and small particles,
- protect the delicate skin of the ear canal,
- reduce irritation,
- and help protect the canal from infection.
Normally, jaw movement and natural skin migration gradually move old earwax toward the opening of the ear.
It can then fall away naturally or be wiped from the outside of the ear.
Should You Remove Earwax?
Usually, no.
If earwax is not causing symptoms, it generally does not need to be removed.
Trying to remove wax unnecessarily can push it deeper into the ear canal.
Wax can sometimes build up and become impacted, causing symptoms such as:
- reduced hearing,
- ear fullness,
- discomfort,
- itching,
- or tinnitus.
If you think your ear is blocked by wax, seek appropriate professional advice rather than repeatedly inserting objects into the ear canal.
Never Put Objects Inside Your Ear Canal
Avoid putting objects into your ears to remove wax or relieve itching.
This includes:
- cotton swabs or cotton buds,
- hairpins,
- keys,
- pen or pencil tips,
- matchsticks,
- fingernails,
- and other pointed objects.
These can:
- push wax deeper,
- scratch the ear canal,
- cause bleeding,
- introduce infection,
- or damage the eardrum.
A useful rule is:
Do not put anything into your ear canal simply to clean it.
What About Cotton Buds?
Cotton buds may look harmless, but using them inside the ear canal can push wax further inward.
They can also injure the delicate skin or eardrum.
If necessary, use a clean damp cloth only on the outer visible part of the ear.
Do not push the cloth or anything else deep into the ear canal.
What About Ear Candling?
Ear candling is sometimes promoted as a way of removing earwax.
It is not recommended.
There is no reliable evidence that ear candles effectively remove impacted earwax, and they can cause:
- burns,
- blockage from candle wax,
- ear-canal injury,
- and eardrum damage.
Persistent earwax problems should be managed using evidence-based methods recommended by an appropriate healthcare professional.
Protect Your Hearing From Loud Noise
One of the most important ways to protect your ears is to reduce exposure to excessive noise.
Loud sounds can damage sensory structures in the inner ear.
This can happen through:
- repeated exposure over months or years,
- or a single extremely loud event.
Examples of potentially hazardous sound exposure include:
- concerts,
- nightclubs,
- loudspeakers,
- power tools,
- machinery,
- motorcycles,
- amplified music,
- fireworks,
- and some sporting events.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
Sound intensity is measured in decibels (dB).
According to the World Health Organization, both volume and duration matter.
For example, WHO safe-listening guidance indicates that an adult can listen at an average sound level of approximately:
80 dB for up to 40 hours per week.
At:
90 dB, that falls to around 4 hours per week.
As sound levels increase further, recommended exposure time falls dramatically.
These figures illustrate an important principle:
A small increase in volume can greatly reduce how long you can listen without increasing your risk.
A Simple Warning Sign
You do not need specialist equipment to recognize every potentially hazardous situation.
If you have to shout to communicate with someone nearby because of the surrounding noise, the environment may be loud enough to threaten your hearing.
When possible:
- turn the volume down,
- move away from the sound source,
- take listening breaks,
- or use appropriate hearing protection.
Protect Your Ears at Concerts and Clubs
Music venues can expose listeners to very high sound levels.
You can reduce your risk by:
- staying away from loudspeakers,
- wearing well-fitting earplugs,
- taking regular breaks in quieter areas,
- limiting how long you remain in extremely loud environments,
- and monitoring sound levels where possible.
Hearing protection does not mean you cannot enjoy music.
Special earplugs designed for musicians and entertainment venues can reduce sound exposure while still allowing music to be heard.
Safe Headphone and Earbud Listening
Headphones and earbuds are not inherently harmful.
The main issue is how loudly and how long you listen.
WHO recommends keeping personal listening devices at no more than about 60% of maximum volume as a practical safe-listening measure.
Where your device can display sound exposure, WHO advises aiming for an average listening level below approximately 80 dB for adults.
Your device may also provide:
- volume warnings,
- sound-exposure monitoring,
- headphone safety settings,
- or automatic volume limits.
Use these features rather than routinely overriding them.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones Can Help
In noisy environments, people often turn their music up simply to hear it over the surrounding sound.
Well-fitting noise-cancelling headphones can reduce background noise and therefore reduce the need to increase listening volume.
However, noise cancellation does not make excessively loud music safe.
Volume and duration still matter.
Give Your Ears Quiet Breaks
After prolonged exposure to loud sound, spend some time in a quieter environment.
Regular breaks reduce your overall noise exposure.
If you notice temporary muffled hearing or ringing after a concert or other loud event, your ears have experienced significant sound exposure.
Do not treat repeated post-concert ringing as harmless.
Repeated exposure can contribute to permanent hearing damage.
Use Hearing Protection Around Hazardous Noise
If loud noise cannot be avoided, use appropriate hearing protection.
Options include:
- foam earplugs,
- reusable earplugs,
- custom-fitted earplugs,
- and earmuffs.
The right protection depends on the environment and noise level.
People who work around loud machinery should follow occupational hearing-safety requirements and use the hearing protection provided.
What Is Swimmer's Ear?
Swimmer's ear, also called acute otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal.
Water that remains in the ear canal can create a moist environment that allows bacteria to multiply.
Swimming is a common trigger, but swimmer's ear can occur in people who do not swim.
Damage to the skin of the ear canal—for example from inserting objects into the ear—can also increase the risk.
Symptoms of Swimmer's Ear
Possible symptoms include:
- ear pain,
- itching inside the ear,
- redness,
- swelling,
- and fluid or discharge from the ear.
Pain may become worse when the outer ear is pulled or when pressure is placed near the opening of the ear canal.
Swimmer's ear is different from a middle-ear infection.
How to Reduce the Risk of Swimmer's Ear
After swimming or bathing:
- allow water to drain naturally,
- tilt your head so each ear faces downward,
- gently dry the outer ear with a towel,
- and avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects into the canal.
People who frequently develop swimmer's ear may benefit from swimming earplugs or custom-fitted swim moulds.
Can You Use a Hair Dryer to Dry Your Ears?
If water remains trapped after swimming or showering, CDC guidance suggests that a hair dryer may be used carefully.
Use:
- the lowest heat setting,
- the lowest fan setting,
- and hold it several inches away from the ear.
Never direct very hot air into the ear.
Should You Use Ear-Drying Drops?
Ear-drying drops can sometimes be useful after swimming, but they are not appropriate for everyone.
Do not use them without professional advice if you have:
- ear tubes,
- a perforated eardrum,
- active swimmer's ear,
- or drainage from the ear.
If you are uncertain about the condition of your eardrum, ask a healthcare professional before putting drops into your ears.
Ear Pain or Discharge Needs Attention
Do not repeatedly self-treat unexplained ear pain.
Seek medical advice if you develop:
- significant ear pain,
- discharge or pus,
- bleeding,
- swelling,
- persistent itching,
- fever with ear symptoms,
- or worsening hearing.
The appropriate treatment depends on whether the problem involves the outer, middle or inner ear.
Ear Care During Air Travel
Changes in cabin pressure during take-off and landing can create pressure differences across the eardrum.
This can cause:
- ear fullness,
- popping,
- temporary discomfort,
- or temporary muffled hearing.
Most people do not need special ear protectors simply because they are flying.
Instead, pressure can often be equalized by:
- swallowing,
- yawning,
- chewing gum if appropriate,
- or gently performing pressure-equalizing manoeuvres.
Infants may benefit from feeding or sucking during descent.
What If You Have a Cold Before Flying?
Nasal congestion from a cold, sinus problem or allergy can make pressure equalization more difficult.
People with severe ear pain, recent ear surgery or significant ear disease should seek professional advice regarding air travel.
Do not forcefully attempt to “pop” an ear if it causes significant pain.
Do You Need to Use the Left Ear for Phone Calls?
No.
There is no established hearing-health recommendation requiring people to use the left ear instead of the right ear.
Either ear can be used.
What matters more for hearing protection is the sound level and duration of exposure.
If you use a phone or headset for prolonged periods, keep the volume comfortable and safe.
Clean Ear Piercings Properly
Pierced ears require appropriate hygiene, particularly while a new piercing is healing.
Follow professional aftercare instructions.
Seek medical advice if a piercing develops:
- increasing redness,
- swelling,
- warmth,
- significant pain,
- pus,
- or spreading inflammation.
Do not assume that every lump around a piercing is simply an infection.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no corresponding external sound source.
People may describe:
- ringing,
- buzzing,
- humming,
- clicking,
- hissing,
- or other noises.
Tinnitus is not itself a single disease. It can be associated with several conditions.
These include:
- hearing loss,
- loud-noise exposure,
- earwax blockage,
- ear infections,
- certain medicines,
- and some other health conditions.
Persistent tinnitus deserves appropriate assessment.
Signs You May Have Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can develop gradually, so people may not immediately recognize it.
Possible warning signs include:
- frequently asking people to repeat themselves,
- finding speech muffled,
- difficulty following conversations in noisy places,
- trouble hearing people on the telephone,
- increasing the television or radio volume more than others prefer,
- difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds,
- and persistent ringing in the ears.
If these problems are occurring regularly, consider having your hearing tested.
Sudden Hearing Loss Is Different
Gradual hearing difficulty and sudden hearing loss should not be treated in the same way.
A rapid unexplained loss of hearing—particularly in one ear—can represent sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
This may develop all at once or over several days.
It can occur with:
- tinnitus,
- dizziness,
- or a feeling of fullness in the ear.
Sudden unexplained hearing loss should be treated as a medical emergency.
Do not simply assume it is caused by earwax, allergies or a blocked ear.
Prompt assessment can be important for treatment effectiveness.
When Should You Get Your Hearing Tested?
Consider a professional hearing assessment if you:
- frequently struggle to understand conversations,
- repeatedly ask people to speak louder,
- have difficulty hearing speech over the phone,
- regularly turn the television volume higher,
- have persistent tinnitus,
- have significant occupational or recreational noise exposure,
- or notice a gradual change in your hearing.
Hearing tests can help determine whether hearing loss is present and what type it may be.
When Should You Seek Medical Care for an Ear Problem?
Arrange professional assessment if you experience:
- persistent ear pain,
- discharge from the ear,
- bleeding,
- recurrent ear infections,
- persistent tinnitus,
- significant dizziness,
- unexplained ear fullness,
- worsening hearing,
- or persistent swelling or skin changes around the ear.
Some ear problems can be treated easily, while others require specialist assessment.
When Is Urgent Medical Attention Needed?
Seek urgent medical assessment for:
- sudden unexplained hearing loss,
- severe ear pain with rapidly worsening symptoms,
- significant ear injury,
- bleeding after trauma,
- a foreign object deeply lodged in the ear,
- severe dizziness accompanied by neurological symptoms,
- or serious infection symptoms.
Contact your local emergency medical service if symptoms appear life-threatening.
Everyday Ear-Care Checklist
You can protect your ears and hearing by remembering a few practical principles:
Leave normal earwax alone.
Never insert objects into the ear canal for cleaning.
Turn down excessively loud music.
Limit the amount of time spent around loud sound.
Move away from loudspeakers and other intense sound sources.
Use earplugs or earmuffs when loud noise cannot be avoided.
Keep your ears dry if you are prone to swimmer's ear.
Do not use ear drops when the eardrum may be damaged unless professionally advised.
Pay attention to tinnitus and changes in hearing.
Seek urgent assessment for sudden unexplained hearing loss.
The Bottom Line
Good ear care does not require aggressive cleaning.
Earwax is a normal and useful part of the ear's protective system, and inserting cotton buds, sharp objects or other items into the ear canal can cause injury or push wax deeper.
One of the biggest preventable threats to hearing is excessive noise exposure.
Remember that both volume and listening time matter. Turning the volume down, taking quiet breaks, moving away from loud sound sources and using appropriate hearing protection can reduce your risk of permanent noise-induced hearing loss.
Keep your ears dry after swimming, seek professional care for persistent pain or discharge, and have your hearing assessed if you notice ongoing difficulty understanding speech or persistent tinnitus.
Most importantly:
Sudden unexplained hearing loss requires urgent medical assessment.
Protecting your hearing today can help preserve it for the future.
Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general ear and hearing-health information for an international audience. It is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional, audiologist or ear specialist. Ear-care practices and available treatments vary between countries. Seek appropriate professional care for persistent symptoms, and seek urgent assessment for sudden unexplained hearing loss.
Sources and Further Reading
World Health Organization — Safe Listening
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/deafness-and-hearing-loss-safe-listening
World Health Organization — Safe Listening Devices and Systems
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515276
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
https://www.cdc.gov/hearing-loss/prevention/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Signs of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
https://www.cdc.gov/hearing-loss/signs-symptoms/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Preventing Swimmer's Ear
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/prevention/preventing-swimmers-ear.html
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders — Sudden Deafness
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/sudden-deafness
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders — Tinnitus
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/tinnitus
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