It’s strange, isn’t it? We get our eyes tested, brush our teeth religiously, but our ears? They’re often forgotten, tucked away on the side of our heads, just humming along.
You might not think twice about ear health until you’re frantically Googling “blocked ears” or nursing a sharp earache.
But just like your eyes and teeth, those delicate ears of yours deserve attention—especially considering that 45% of people have experienced some sort of ear-related health issue in the past two years.
Surprisingly, a recent study of 2,000 UK adults revealed that one in three have never had a hearing test.
That’s right, while 90% of us happily book regular eyesight tests, our ears are left behind. In fact, over half of the participants (51%) admitted that hearing health is often neglected compared to dental or eye care.
So, what gives? Why are we so lax about getting our ears checked?
Well, it turns out the most common reasons for skipping hearing tests include not seeing it as important (37%), being short on time (27%), or simply not knowing how to get it done (26%). And it’s not just about testing—our lifestyle choices aren’t doing our ears any favours either.
The Perils of Modern Living
Let’s face it, many of us are guilty of unhealthy habits that affect our hearing. Whether it’s blasting music through in-ear headphones or sneaking that extra cigarette, the choices we make can damage those sensitive eardrums over time.
For 18-24 year-olds, wearing in-ear headphones seems almost second nature, and the 25-34 crowd? Nearly half admit to regularly cranking up their tunes to full volume. It’s a recipe for disaster.
Dr. Henderson, a leading GP and spokesperson for Earex, explains, “We take our hearing for granted, but it’s only when things go seriously wrong that we realise how vital it is to care for our ears. We want to educate the British public so that they stop neglecting their hearing.”
And he’s right. Most of us don’t think twice about hearing tests, but we should. The study showed that 26 years old is the average age people believe we should start getting our ears checked regularly.
Why? Because our twenties and thirties are crucial years for ear health, and bad habits like smoking, poor diet, and headphone use can quickly lead to problems.
Protecting Your Ears from Wax Buildup
One of the biggest culprits behind ear problems? Good old earwax. A surprising number of people deal with earache, often caused by wax buildup.
It’s tempting to grab a cotton bud and start poking around, but experts warn that this can make matters worse by pushing the wax deeper.
Instead, Dr. Henderson recommends using products like Earex Advance Ear Drops, which contain ingredients that break down and soften hardened wax without all the risky poking.
“Especially during winter,” says Dr. Henderson, “when colder temperatures can cause earwax to harden, it’s essential to keep your ears in check. Left untreated, wax buildup can lead to pain and even hearing loss.”
He adds, “Being aware of how delicate our ears are and taking simple steps to protect them can make a world of difference.
For example, in-ear headphones might be convenient, but they can also act like corks, preventing wax from naturally leaving the ear and increasing bacterial growth by up to 700%. So, take breaks and keep the volume down.”
Ear Health and Your Overall Wellbeing
Most of us don’t realise that ear health is linked to overall wellness. Poor diet, excessive drinking, and smoking all impact your ears, just as they affect the rest of your body.
The good news is, by staying aware of these factors, you can help safeguard your hearing.
Regular hearing tests, starting from your mid-twenties, could help nip any issues in the bud. It’s about being proactive rather than waiting for that dreaded moment when things go awry.
So, next time you’re booking an eye test or dentist appointment, spare a thought for your ears.
And if you’ve never had a hearing check-up before, now’s the time to start—your ears will thank you for it.