cleaning & grooming
TIPS
Keep your ears clean and well maintained with these simple steps.
USE COTTON SWABS only to clean crevices on surface of ear. Do not insert them into the ear canal—they can push ear wax deeper or puncture eardrums.
REMOVE EXCESS WAX with ear cleaning drops to break it up. Some ear wax is needed to protect eardrums from foreign material, but a buildup can clog the ear canal.
USE A SOAPY WASHCLOTH to clean the surface of the ear when bathing, making sure to reach the backs and tops of ears as well.
TRIM EAR HAIR above the lobe as needed. Use small, blunt-tip scissors or a battery-operated trimmer designed for grooming ear and nose hair.
PROTECT EARS with sunscreen year round and a light layer of lotion when dry. Clean earrings and earlobes of pierced ears with rubbing alcohol.
SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you notice unusual bumps or scaly areas on your ears—or if you injure your ears, feel ear pain or notice a change in hearing.
Nutrition is Important
Research shows that diet can affect hearing.
Many studies have been done on the relationship between nutrition and hearing loss, leading to some key findings.
HEARING LOSS
The National Institutes of Health reports:
• A lack of vitamins A, B, C, D and E; zinc; magnesium; selenium; iron or iodine led to an increased incidence of hearing loss. It is thought that antioxidants—such as vitamins—inhibit the formation of free radicals that can contribute to hearing loss.
• Diets high in carbohydrates, cholesterol and fats and lower in protein corresponded to poorer hearing status. This may be due to their negative effect on the vascular system and bloodflow to the ear’s cochlea, the spiral cavity of the inner ear where nerve impulses are produced in response to sound vibrations.
• Consuming more healthy fats such as omega-3s had a positive impact on hearing by improving blood supply to the cochlea.
TINNITUS
Tinnitus, ringing or buzzing in the ear, can lead to hearing loss. A study cited by the American Auditory Society notes:
• Higher intakes of calcium and fat were associated with increased occurrences of tinnitus.
• Higher intakes of B12 and protein were associated with reduced occurences of tinnitus.
Have your ears checked by an audiologist if you or anyone else questions whether your hearing is normal.
—Cleveland Clinic
Ear Care
products
Hy-Vee has what you need to protect hearing and keep your ears looking and feeling their best.
TRP Ring Relief Ear Drops
are a homeopathic treatment for tinnitus symptoms like ringing in the ear.
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Herb Pharm Mullein Garlic Oil
is a concentrated mix of organically grown herbs to soothe earaches.
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SOURCES
NHS
Hearing loss
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Age-Related Hearing Loss
Journal of the American Auditory Society
Relationship Between Diet, Tinnitus, and Hearing Difficulties
National Library of Medicine
Quick Statistics About Hearing
Association of Nutritional Factors with Hearing Loss
Clinere Earwax Cleaners
have scoops to remove wax and finned ends to exfoliate outer skin.
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Hyland’s Earache Drops
soothe earaches due to swimmer’s ear, colds, flu, and/or allergies.
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Wahl Micro GroomsMan Lithium Power Trimmer
is a personal groomer to trim ear and nose hair.
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Hyland’s 4Kids Earache Relief
offers homeopathic treatment for children ages 2 to 12.
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Murine Ear Wax Removal Drops
are a maximum-strength formula with carbamide peroxide.
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Mack’s Snore Blockers
are earplugs specially designed to comfortably block out snoring.
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WHO
WHO global standard for safe listening venues and events