For a parent, their child’s overall health is always the top priority. But as the number of children with poor ear health is growing, many parents are anxious about what went wrong. The most common reason behind such neglect could be focusing more on keeping their teeth, skin, and eyes healthy.
Only that way it is possible that people forget about their ears. Poor ear health can lead to hearing loss, infections, and other issues that can impact their overall well-being. In this article, we’ll share 6 tips to improve ear health in children.
Read: Causes of Ear Pain and Solutions
Keep ears clean, avoiding Q-tips.
It goes without saying that it’s essential to keep your child’s ears clean to prevent the build-up of earwax and other debris. This may harm their sensitive inner ear and quickly lead to infections which sometimes result in reduced hearing abilities. Though cleaning of ear is a must, you won’t be using cotton swabs as they push wax deeper into the ear canal. The result of this is irreparable damage inside the ear. Instead, use a damp washcloth to gently clean around the outside of the ear.
Avoid exposure to loud noises.
Whether it is a child or a senior citizen, loud noises, such as those from music concerts, fireworks, and power tools, can damage their hearing. The only way for protect is to make sure that one wears earplugs or earmuffs when exposed to loud noises. Wearing such things can act as a protective shield and actively limit their exposure to loud noises as much as possible. Doing so is not optional but necessary if you want to protect your child’s ear health.
Treat ear infections promptly.
Ear infections are a common issue in children, but they should not be ignored at all. Because once you shift your attention from it and leave it untreated, the infection could grow worse. The end result of a growing ear infection that hasn’t been treated can be gradual hearing loss and other complications. If your child complains of ear pain, difficulty hearing, or has fluid draining from the ear, then seek medical attention immediately.
Build your young one’s immunity.
Building your child’s immunity to develop a stronger immune system is essential for parents and it starts at a very early stage. As doctors recommend, breastfeeding can have not one but numerous benefits for babies, including promoting ear health. That’s because breast milk contains antibodies that can protect your baby from ear infections. When a child has a strong immune system, it can easily prevent infections in the future from EVER happening.
Avoid smoking around your child.
It goes without saying that smoking near a child is very dangerous. However, only a few people know that exposure to second-hand smoke can increase your child’s risk of ear infections and other similar issues. If you or someone in your household smokes, it’s important to quit or smoke outside away from your child.
Get regular check-ups done.
Like any other health concern, ear health maintenance for kids requires annual or frequent check-ups done by a professional. Regular check-ups with an expert hearing aid practitioner can help identify any ear issues early on and prevent future problems. During these check-ups, a professional will examine your child’s ears and check for any signs of infection or other issues.
According to expert pediatricians, taking care of your child’s ear health is crucial for their overall well-being. By these tips, you can help prevent ear infections, protect their hearing, and promote healthy ears. Remember each one of these to avoid hearing-related problems in your child.
Now, when you are taking care of your ear health, why not consider some food options as well?
Proper nutrition is an undeniable cornerstone of overall well-being, impacting both mental and physical clarity.
Nutrition and diet also lie at the core of good health, influencing not only our body weight, immune system, and bone density but also our hearing. While often overlooked, there is overwhelming evidence that there is a link between diet and hearing health.
The Link Between Food Intake and Ear Health
Healthy living starts with mindful eating. A person’s dietary choices intricately influence the functionality of their organs and bodily systems. Remarkably, each of our organs requires a distinct blend of supplements, nutrients, and vitamins to protect against infections. Consequently, dieticians and physicians also emphasize the significance of a balanced diet.
Deficiencies in specific micronutrients like zinc, magnesium, iron, selenium, iodine, and vitamins A, B, C, D, and E have been associated with hearing loss. Other surveys indicate that a diet high in fat, cholesterol, and carbohydrates or low in protein may correlate with poor hearing.
Some Foods That Have Been Linked to Good Ear Health
While physicians advise shielding ears from noise, it is also important to add some essential elements to a person’s diet for good ear health.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as broccoli, cabbage, and spinach stand out as excellent sources of folic acid, vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. Broccoli, in particular, has vitamins that aid in neutralizing free radicals that can harm sensitive inner ear tissues. Folic acid and minerals contribute to improved blood circulation and cell growth in the ears.
Dairy Products
Milk is one of the best sources of essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamins such as A, B, D, E, and K are present in milk, which can enhance metabolism and oxygen transport as they double as antioxidants. Other minerals such as magnesium, potassium, selenium, and zinc can regulate bodily fluids and cells, which can work wonders for sensitive inner ear fluids.
Oranges
Citric fruits, such as organs, can fight against free radicals, which are responsible for health-related challenges, including hearing loss and ear infections. Oranges also have Vitamin C and E, which can act as potent supplements to prevent hearing loss. Additionally, the presence of glutathione in organs functions as a natural antioxidant.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate, which is often considered a treat, has some rich minerals as well. They are packed with zinc, which bolsters immunity and safeguards against ear infections while supporting cell growth. However, one should consult doctors before incorporating dark chocolate in case they have diabetes.
Fish
Salmon and tuna are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Many studies have concluded that Omega-3 not only safeguards against cardiovascular conditions but also enhances brain-ear coordination. Vitamin D, which is also present in fish, can strengthen inner ear bones, promoting overall auditory health.
Bananas
Bananas serve as an essential dietary component for ears as they are rich in magnesium. Many research papers have concluded that magnesium deficiency can cause inner ear blood vessels to constrict, impeding oxygen supply.
Eating right is pivotal for preserving a person’s ability to hear. This makes it very important to tailor one’s diet to optimize auditory health. If the hearing loss persists or gets worse, it is best to contact a professional hearing clinic.
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