When we think about the amazing blessings we’ve been given, our ears rarely come to mind first. But honestly, they’re one of the most valuable gifts we have. The ear doesn’t just capture sound—it transforms tiny vibrations in the air into signals our brain understands, letting us hear voices, music, and the world around us.
Sound waves travel into the outer ear, strike the eardrum, and then pass through small bones in the middle ear. From there, the signals reach the brain, where we make sense of every tone and word. But hearing isn’t their only job. Our ears also help us keep balance and posture, ensuring we don’t stumble when moving around.
Every year, March 3rd is celebrated as World Hearing Day. The date was chosen because the human ear resembles the shape of the number “3.” The goal is simple: to remind us of how important hearing is and to raise awareness about ear health and hearing problems.
Awareness and Ear Health Campaigns
Just like the rest of the world, Pakistan also observes World Hearing Day. Medical associations, hospitals, NGOs, and health departments organize awareness walks, seminars, and conferences. The purpose is to educate people about protecting their ears, recognizing hearing loss early, and avoiding practices that damage hearing.
One major issue is the way people clean their ears. Many use cotton buds, matchsticks wrapped with cotton, or even sharp objects. Doctors warn that this is extremely harmful. Instead of cleaning the ear, it can push wax deeper, damage the eardrum, or even lead to permanent hearing loss.
How Ears Naturally Stay Clean
Here’s the thing: our ears are designed to clean themselves. Inside the ear, special glands produce a natural oily substance known as earwax. It protects the eardrum from dryness, infections, and dust. When people use cotton buds, they block this natural wax from reaching the eardrum. As a result, the eardrum can dry out, leading to pain or infection.
Sometimes, too much wax builds up or an infection develops in the ear glands. This causes constant pain and may require medical cleaning by an ear specialist. In such cases, a surgeon carefully washes out the excess wax. But it’s important to never attempt such cleaning yourself—because a tiny mistake can damage the sensitive parts of the ear permanently.
Other Causes of Ear Problems
Hearing issues don’t just come from infections or wax buildup. Studies show that drug abuse can also affect hearing. Another factor is genetics. Health experts warn that marriages within close families (like first cousins) increase the chances of children being born with hearing or speech impairments. That’s why counseling before marriage is often recommended.
In modern times, technology has also introduced new risks. Constant use of mobile phones, listening to loud music through headphones, long hours with hands-free devices, and exposure to high-pitched vehicle horns or noisy environments—all of these can slowly damage hearing. Many people don’t realize the harm until it’s too late.
Conclusion
Our ears are a priceless gift from nature, yet many of us take them for granted. Once hearing is lost, it usually can’t be restored. That’s why it’s so important to protect this blessing. Avoid inserting objects into the ear, limit exposure to loud sounds, and be mindful of habits that can harm hearing. By caring for our ears today, we ensure that we can continue to enjoy the beauty of sound—the laughter of loved ones, the rhythm of music, and the peaceful sounds of life—for years to come.