The Annual Ear Care Checklist: How Often to Clean, Check, and Test Your Ears After 60

After 60, Prevention Is Everything

Hearing loss affects 1 in 3 adults over 65, according to the CDC.https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/

Routine ear care prevents infection, wax impaction, and undiagnosed hearing decline. What to put into your ear care checklist seniors over 60:

1. How Often Should You Clean Your Ears?

The American Academy of Otolaryngology states:Never use cotton swabs inside the ear canal .https://www.entnet.org/

Clean only the outer ear with a damp cloth.

If prone to wax buildup:

• Schedule professional cleaning annually.

• Use cerumen-softening drops (Debrox) only as directed.

2. How Often Should You Test Hearing?

After age 60:

• Baseline test every year.

• Immediately if noticing changes.

The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association recommends annual monitoring.https://www.chha.ca/

3. When to See a Professional Immediately

• Sudden hearing loss

• Persistent ringing

• Dizziness or imbalance

• Ear pain or drainage

The Mayo Clinic advises urgent care for sudden hearing changes.https://www.mayoclinic.org/

4. Hearing Aid Maintenance Checklist

Monthly:

• Inspect tubing and domes.

• Replace wax guards.

• Clean microphones gently.

Annually:

• Professional recalibration.

• Firmware updates.

• Battery health check.

Conclusion

Annual ear care isn’t optional after 60 — it’s foundational to independence, cognition, and safety.

Ready for your annual ear care check?

Book your complimentary Exploration Visit at Innisfil Hearing today.Prevention today protects clarity tomorrow.

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