7 Things That Damage Ear Health!

Our ears are actually more sensitive than we think. There are some behaviors and situations that can damage the ears.

1. Loud Sound and Noise: Since the ears are sensitive organs, loud noise always harms the ears. Listening to loud music, shooting guns without ear protection, working in loud environments, being exposed to loud explosions, working in environments such as loud entertainment centers can damage hearing and cause tinnitus. This hearing loss may differ from person to person. Hearing loss can be permanent or temporary, depending on the degree and duration of exposure to loud noise.

2. Ear Cleaning Sticks: Ear cleaning sticks damage the ear by causing earwax to clog in the ear canal. Normally, earwax tends to throw itself out of the ear. This self-cleaning system is disrupted with ear sticks. If the ear sticks are pushed deeper, it may damage the eardrum.

3. Ear Drops: Some ear drops are harmful to the ear, for example, ear drops containing Gentamicin have a harmful effect on the ear. Random and unconscious use of these drops will damage the ear. Some mixtures of unknown contents may damage the ear by disrupting the pH balance of the ear canal, causing fungal infection and inflammation in the ear.

4. Cell Phone: Cell phones can damage the ear by emitting radiation and electromagnetic waves. Especially during the first call, holding the ear to the ear can cause tinnitus, throbbing and a feeling of deep pain by emitting electromagnetic waves at the most. People who have to talk a lot on a cell phone should use headphones. Again, there is a risk of explosion due to overheating of the lithium batteries inside these phones.

5. Cigarettes and Drugs: Smoking causes deterioration in blood vessels over time, impairing blood flow. Smoking inhibits blood flow, especially by affecting small capillaries. These capillaries provide the blood flow of our ear, and the deterioration of the blood flow results in hearing loss. Some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs that we have to use can cause ear cells to die and can permanently damage hearing. You should be under constant control while using these drugs.

6. Piercing: If the piercing is done without hygienic conditions, the ear cartilage may melt and cause the ear to deform. Piercings to the ear cartilage should be done under the supervision of a physician. Again, earrings worn in the ear cause an allergic reaction in the ear, causing itching and swelling of the ear and causing an infection.

7. Dizziness: Ears play an important role in maintaining balance, apart from the task of hearing. Dizziness, ringing in the ear, increased pressure and a feeling of occlusion in the ear indicate that the balance system in the inner ear is affected, and underestimating these symptoms may cause damage to the hearing organ over time. Causes affecting the balance system are indications that hearing may also be affected. Therefore, patients with vertigo should be evaluated in detail by otolaryngologists.