15 Do you reach for a cotton bud after a shower? You’re not alone. But here’s something that might surprise you: your ears are designed to clean themselves. Should I Be Cleaning My Ears? Earwax isn’t dirt. It protects the delicate skin inside your ear canal. The skin slowly moves outwards, like a tiny conveyor belt, carrying old wax with it. Cotton buds work against this natural process, often pushing wax further in rather than removing it. A gentle wipe around the outside of your ear is usually all that’s needed. Of course, wax can sometimes build up. People with narrow or curved ear canals, drier wax or hearing aids may be more prone to blockages. This can make hearing seem worse than it really is. It’s also a common reason hearing aids suddenly whistle or sound weak. That’s why a good hearing appointment always starts with a look inside your ears. When wax needs removing, we use microsuction, a fine suction tube used under magnification to carefully remove wax without pushing it further in. But here’s something important: not every blocked ear is caused by wax. If you wake up one morning with significantly reduced hearing, or your hearing suddenly changes over a few hours, don’t assume it’s just wax. Sudden inner-ear hearing loss is a medical emergency. Seek medical attention immediately, through your GP or emergency department. Early treatment can make a significant difference. And while we’re talking about hearing health, your 50s are an excellent time for a baseline hearing test. In July, the Australian Government began writing to Australians turning 50 about reducing their risk of dementia. Regular hearing checks are among its recommendations. Hearing often changes gradually, and those around us may notice before we do. A baseline test gives us something valuable to compare against in the future. At Holistic Hearing Solutions, we’re proudly independent. No hearing aid manufacturer owns us or influences what we recommend. Sometimes the answer involves hearing aids, and sometimes it doesn’t. Explore all 10 of our hearing-health tips at holistichearingsolutions. com.au, or scan the QR code to follow us on Facebook. Book online or call 07 5619 3007. No pressure. Just a clearer picture.
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