By Sharonne Samiere
When was the last time you heard… absolutely nothing?
We live in a world that’s constantly making noise. Music in the car. Podcasts on a walk. Notifications on our phones. Conversations, traffic, television. Our ears are always working, even when we barely notice.
But just like our minds need moments of stillness, our ears do too.
A few minutes of quiet each day can be surprisingly restorative. Sit outside and listen to the breeze instead of your playlist. Drive without turning on the radio. Pause before reaching for your headphones. You might discover sounds you’ve been missing all along, or simply enjoy the rare gift of silence.
When listening to headphones, keep the volume at a level where outside sound is still audible to protect your hearing.
And what about swimmer’s ear? Living in Hawaiʻi, many of us spend a lot of time in the ocean. While swimming and surfing are wonderful for the body and soul, trapped water in the ear can sometimes lead to infection.
After a refreshing time in the ocean, consider using a few drops of rubbing alcohol, or a 50/50 mixture of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. Tilt your head, place 3–5 drops in the ear, wait about 30 seconds, then let it drain out. This simple habit helps dry trapped moisture and may reduce the risk of infection.
Our ears work hard every single day. A little quiet, a little protection, and a little prevention can go a long way in keeping them healthy.
After all, life is full of beautiful sounds. Taking care of your hearing today helps make sure you’ll keep enjoying them for years to come.
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