In the United States of America, it is estimated that more than 24 million people have a significant hearing loss. There are many more that have a mild hearing problem but deny that there is anything wrong. "I hear what I want to hear" is a frequent response when it is suggested a hearing problem might exist. The presence of a hearing loss does not necessarily mean a hearing aid is necessary. It may be something as simple as earwax. Hearing Help Online presents these helpful hints on ear care for better hearing.

If you suspect you may have a hearing loss, do not be afraid to have it checked. Hearing loss is commonly denied and slowly followed up on.

Get immediate medical attention for earaches, sudden changes in hearing, drainage, sudden onset of noises in the ear (tinnitus), and dizziness.

The sooner you obtain medical or audiological attention, the less likely you are to have a serious, severe, or permanent loss of hearing.

Have your ears checked for wax buildup whenever you visit your doctor or hearing health care provider’s office.

A check for earwax and a hearing test should be done once a year after it has been determined that earwax and/or hearing loss is a problem.

Over the counter earwax removal systems can be appropriate. Your should not attempt this, however, until a physician or hearing health professional examines your ears to be sure there are no cuts, and or abrasions or perforations of the eardrum that would cause a reaction. Once this has been determined, carefully follow the directions of the earwax removal product for proper use.

Do not use cotton swabs, bobby pins, toothpicks, paperclips, or hairbrushes to clean your ears. If rubbing with a tissue cannot reach what earwax is present, obtain help from a professional. Anything small, thin, and long enough to reach the eardrum can puncture it.

A common source of ear infection is dirty or polluted water from poorly treated swimming pools or bodies of water without proper circulation. Lakes and oceans can harbor partially treated sewage, especially after a rainy day.

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