+919979891672 
We tend to think about our ears, nose, and throat only when they stop cooperating. A blocked nose at midnight, an earache before a trip, a throat so sore that swallowing feels like a chore. Then we scramble for a remedy.
The truth is, most of these problems are easier to prevent than to fix. A few small habits, done daily, can make a real difference. Here are practical ENT health tips you can start today, with no special equipment needed.
ENT Health Tips
Looking after your ears
Leave the cotton buds alone
This is the single most common mistake. Ears are self-cleaning. Wax slowly moves outward on its own, and poking it with a cotton bud, hairpin or key usually pushes it deeper. It can also scratch the canal or even injure the eardrum. Wipe only the outer ear with a soft cloth. If you feel blocked, see a doctor who can clean it safely.
Keep ears dry
After bathing or swimming, tilt your head to each side and gently dry the outer ear with a towel. Moisture trapped in the canal invites infection, and it’s a particular risk during Ahmedabad’s monsoon.
Turn the volume down
Loud music through earphones damages the tiny hair cells of the inner ear, and that damage doesn’t grow back. A good rule of thumb: keep volume at around 60 per cent, and take listening breaks. If people near you can hear your music, it’s too loud. Protect your ears at weddings, concerts and noisy workplaces too.
Don’t ignore ear symptoms
Pain, discharge, ringing, a sense of fullness, or hearing that seems to dip are all worth checking. A quick hearing test every year or two after 60, or earlier if you notice a change, is a good habit.
Looking after your nose
Breathe clean air
Dust, smoke, construction debris and strong fumes irritate the nasal lining. On dusty days or on a bike, wear a mask. Avoid smoke, incense clouds and mosquito coils in closed rooms.
Rinse with saline
Saline rinses or sprays clear mucus, dust and allergens and keep the lining moist. It’s a gentle habit that helps people with allergies, frequent colds and sinus trouble. Use clean or boiled-and-cooled water, and clean the bottle regularly.
Don’t overuse decongestant sprays
They give fast relief, but using them for more than a few days can make the blockage worse. If your nose is always blocked, find out why instead of masking it.
Handle allergies early
Constant sneezing, an itchy nose and watery eyes shouldn’t be ignored. Untreated allergies lead to sinus infections and sleep trouble. Dust-proofing the bedroom, washing bedding in hot water and finding your triggers all help.
Blow your nose gently
Hard blowing can push mucus towards the ears and irritate the lining. Blow one nostril at a time, softly.
Looking after your throat
Drink enough water
Hydration keeps the throat’s lining moist and your voice comfortable. Warm water or herbal tea can be soothing when you feel scratchy.
Don’t shout or strain your voice
If you speak for a living, or just had a loud night out, give your voice breaks. Stay hydrated, avoid whispering for long periods (it strains the cords) and don’t clear your throat constantly.
Say no to tobacco
Cigarettes, bidis, gutka and paan with tobacco are among the biggest risks for throat, voice and mouth problems. Quitting is the best single gift you can give your ENT health.
Watch your late-night eating
Eating heavy meals just before bed encourages acid reflux, which can irritate the throat and voice. Aim to finish dinner two to three hours before lying down, and go easy on very spicy or oily food.
Mind your oral hygiene
Brushing twice a day, cleaning your tongue and rinsing after meals reduces germs that can travel to the throat and tonsils. Replace your toothbrush every few months, and after a throat infection.
Everyday lifestyle habits that protect all three
- Wash your hands. It’s the simplest way to cut down colds, throat infections and the ear infections that follow.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations, including flu vaccines, as advised by your doctor.
- Sleep well and manage stress. Poor sleep weakens immunity, and stress can aggravate reflux and voice strain.
- Eat a balanced diet with fresh fruit, vegetables and enough protein.
- Keep active. Regular exercise supports circulation and immunity.
- Be careful with air conditioning. Very cold, dry air can dry the nose and throat. Keep the temperature moderate and drink water.
- Avoid self-medication. Antibiotics, ear drops and nasal sprays should be used on a doctor’s advice, not left-over from the last time.
Signs it’s time to see an ENT
Don’t wait if you notice:
- Ear pain, discharge or sudden hearing change
- A blocked nose lasting more than two to three weeks
- Frequent nosebleeds
- A sore throat lasting more than a week or two
- Hoarseness lasting more than three to four weeks
- Difficulty swallowing, or a lump in the throat or neck
- Loud snoring with pauses in breathing at night
- Dizziness or a spinning sensation
ENT care in Ahmedabad
Dr Manish Goyal (MS-ENT), who completed his higher surgical training in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and has over 10 years of experience, practises at Aashwi ENT Hospital on Drive-In Road, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad. His clinic covers an Ear & Vertigo Clinic, Sinus & Allergy Clinic, Throat & Voice Clinic, audiology and hearing aid fitting, and a snoring and sleep apnea clinic. Patients in Ahmedabad and across Gujarat can also visit the hospital’s centres at Bopal, Chandlodiya and Gandhinagar.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I clean my ears?
Usually you don’t need to. Ears clean themselves. Wipe only the outer part, and see a doctor if wax blocks your hearing or causes discomfort.
2. Is it safe to use saline nasal rinses every day?
For most people, yes, with clean water and a clean bottle. If you have ongoing nasal problems, ask your doctor how often is right for you.
3. How loud is too loud for earphones?
If others nearby can hear your music, or you have to raise the volume to block out noise, it’s too loud. Keep it moderate and take regular breaks.
4. What helps prevent frequent sore throats?
Good hydration, handwashing, avoiding smoking and tobacco, managing reflux and allergies, and good oral hygiene all help. Repeated infections need an ENT check.
5. Do I need a regular ENT check-up if I feel fine?
Not necessarily. But a yearly hearing check after 60 and a check whenever a symptom lingers for more than a few weeks are sensible.
6. Where can I get ENT care in Ahmedabad?
Aashwi ENT Hospital has centres at Drive-In Road (Bodakdev), Bopal, Chandlodiya and Gandhinagar. Call 99798 91672 to book. OPD runs Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm.
For more information, click below:
Dr Manish Goyal | ENT Specialist Ahmedabad
No Comments