In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, our ears frequently shoulder the burden of neglect and inadvertent harm. From the allure of ear candling to the seemingly harmless act of using cotton swabs, our hearing health can suffer from these common yet perilous practices. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help safeguard the health of your hearing.
Say good by to ear candling
Despite the total lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to clear away earwax has recently achieved some popularity. It’s believed that a vacuum is produced when a hollow ear candle is inserted into your ear canal and the wick at the opposite end is lit allegedly pulling impurities out. However, numerous studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
Not only does ear candling fail to eliminate earwax efficiently, but it also poses significant risks. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing issues. Usually, if you notice any wax after ear candling, it will be from the candle itself rather than your ears.
In light of these findings, medical experts always discourage the use of ear candling. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) warn against this practice, emphasizing safer options for ear hygiene.
No more cotton swabs
The allure of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is unquestionable, with many individuals turning to these apparently harmless tools for maintenance. But there are more risks than benefits to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Impaction and possible injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The sensitive nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the outcomes of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. It would be better to obtain professional assistance if necessary or otherwise rely on your ear’s self-cleaning ability instead of putting any object in the ear.
Mind the volume: protect against loud noise
It’s a noisy world we live in and our ears are constantly being assaulted by sounds of all different volume levels. From busy city streets to leisure activities like concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud sound is unavoidable. However, sustained or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on auditory health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s crucial to use ear protection and, if possible, avoid overly loud settings in order to prevent damage. This includes using hearing protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy environments and limiting exposure to loud sounds whenever possible.
Also, take frequent breaks and moderate the volume when you’re utilizing personal listening devices such as headphones and earpods.
Listen to your ears: act promptly on symptoms
Taking fast action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to experience some degree of hearing loss is crucial to protect your ears from harm. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will most likely exacerbate the problem.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, trouble understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s essential that you recognize it. If any of these symptoms are encountered, seek evaluation from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) immediately. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes and improve your quality of life.
Your ability to effectively navigate the landscape of your life is dependent on you keeping your hearing as healthy as possible. We can preserve our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, safeguarding our ears against loud noise, and recognizing early warning signs.
If you think that you might be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.