Spring is the season of fresh starts. You might find yourself clearing clutter from your home, organizing your closets or even creating healthier routines. When it comes to your ear health, small habits can make a big difference in how well you hear, both today and for the long run. Let’s look at a few thoughtful changes you can make to protect your ears this season.
Change #1: Stop Cleaning Your Ears With Cotton Swabs
A 2025 study with 229 completed surveys found some interesting information about cotton swab use. The surveys revealed that although 92.6% of participants knew that medical professionals warned against using cotton swabs to clean their ears, 95.6% reported using them for ear care.
Cotton swab use, though common, can lead to greater wax impaction, irritate the ear canal or tear the eardrum. Swapping cotton swabs for professional ear cleaning with one of our specialists is one thoughtful change you can make to care for your ears.
Change #2: Focus on Good Hearing Aid Care
Caring for your hearing aids is an excellent way to enjoy clear sound and extend their lifespan. Each night, make it a habit to clean your hearing aids thoroughly using their cleaning kit. If it’s been a while since your last service appointment, call us today to schedule your hearing aid tune-up.
Change #3: Watch Your Volume
When you’re on a drive around Duluth or listening to music during a workout at Northland Fitness, it’s easy to crank the volume higher than it’s safe. Most smartphones include a volume-limiting feature that you can use to safeguard your hearing. We recommend keeping the volume below 85 decibels—the threshold for hearing loss.
Change #4: Limit Headphone Use
Headphone use is a common culprit behind noise-related hearing loss. Between music, podcasts, audiobooks and even TV, you might find yourself wearing headphones most of the day. Try cutting back your headphone use by about 25% to 50%. You can switch to a portable speaker with volume limits for a while, so you can still enjoy your tunes without sacrificing your hearing.
These small habits can make a big difference. If you want to learn more about caring for your hearing health, check out some more posts on our blog or call us to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Hearing Wellness Center.