Can an ear injury be prevented?

Yes, there are several steps you can take to prevent ear injuries. Don't put things in your ear canal. If you have children, teach them not to do so either. Do not place anything in your ears to clean them out and do not pound or beat your head to try to get something to come out of your ears. When flying, yawn, chew gum, or suck on candy during takeoff and landing to help decrease pressure in the ears. Avoid flying when you are congested or have a cold. Take appropriate measures when you are scuba or deep sea diving to equalize the pressure in your ears. Treat ear infections immediately; this applies to yourself and to your children. To help prevent external ear injuries, avoid sports in which blows to the ears are common, such as rugby, boxing, or wrestling.