14;5 To effectively prevent ear infections, it's important to focus on maintaining good hygiene, reducing exposure to risk factors, and ensuring vaccinations are up-to-date. 16;1

Maintain Good Hygiene

• Keep Ears Dry: After swimming or bathing, make sure to dry your ears thoroughly. Tilt your head to each side to allow water to drain out, and use a soft towel to gently dry the outer ear. 12;3
• Avoid Inserting Objects: Do not use cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ear canal, as this can push wax deeper and potentially damage the ear.

15;2

Reduce Exposure to Risk Factors

• Avoid Smoke: Stay away from cigarette smoke and other pollutants, as exposure can increase the risk of ear infections.
• Control Allergies: Manage allergies effectively, as they can lead to inflammation and increase the risk of ear infections2.

Ensure Vaccinations Are Up-to-Date

• Get Vaccinated: Ensure that you and your children are up-to-date with vaccinations, including the flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine, which can help prevent infections that lead to ear issues3.

13;4

Additional Preventive Measures

• Breastfeeding: If possible, breastfeed infants for at least six months, as breast milk can help boost their immune system and reduce the risk of ear infections1.
• Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs that can lead to respiratory infections, which are often precursors to ear infections3.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of ear infections and maintain better ear health.