<s>[INST] How do you prevent ear infections? [/INST] Ear infections are sometimes unavoidable, especially with small children. However, you can reduce your risk by:
Using a hair dryer to dry out your ears after swimming or bathing
Not using any objects to clean out your ears
Practicing good hand hygiene
Avoiding secondhand smoke
Not bottle-feeding your infant in the lying position
Protecting your ears from excessive noise by using earplugs Source: MAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM. Link: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/questions-about-earaches-and-ear-infections. Field: Otolaryngology. Disease: Ear Infection </s>