In the hectic frenzy of everyday life, our ears often bear the brunt of neglect and inadvertent harm. There are some common but hazardous practices, including making use of cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health at risk. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help safeguard the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
Ear candling, an ancient technique purported to draw out earwax and improve ear health, has gained popularity in spite of lacking scientific merit. The process involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and lighting the opposite end, with the notion that a vacuum is created, pulling out impurities. This practice, however, has been proven in a number of studies to not only be ineffective, but also extremely risky.
Not only does ear candling fail to clear away earwax efficiently, but it also poses substantial risks. The application of heat near the delicate structures of the ear can result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing problems. Usually, if you see any wax after ear candling, it will be from the candle itself rather than your ears.
In light of these findings, medical professionals universally warn against the use of ear candling. There are safer ways to clean your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) warn against using them.
No more cotton swabs
The appeal of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is indisputable, with many individuals turning to these seemingly innocuous tools for maintenance. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more dangers than advantages. Instead of effectively removing earwax, swabs can unintentionally push wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction and potential injury.
The eardrum is delicate and objects such as cotton swabs can cause substantial damage. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the outcomes of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. To prevent these complications, it is beneficial to refrain from inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead depend on the ear’s self-cleaning mechanisms or seek professional assistance if needed.
Keep volumes to a minimum
It’s a noisy world we live in and our ears are constantly being assaulted by noises of all different volumes. Exposure to loud sound is inevitable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Nonetheless, sustained or excessive exposure can have harmful effects on hearing health, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To decrease the risk of hearing damage, it is essential to be conscious of noise levels and take proactive steps to safeguard your ears. Whenever you can’t avoid very loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be used.
Also, take regular 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 encounter some level of hearing loss is essential to protect your ears from harm. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will probably exacerbate the issue.
It’s imperative to recognize common signs of hearing loss, such as trouble understanding speech, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. If any of these symptoms are experienced, seek evaluation from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) promptly. Your hearing results as well as your quality of life will be substantially enhanced by early detection and intervention.
In conclusion, the health and well-being of our ears are paramount in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. By embracing these four strategies, avoiding ear candling and cotton swabs, protecting against loud noise, and understanding early warning signs, we can maintain our precious sense of hearing and cherish the symphony of sounds that enrich our existence.
If you suspect that you might be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.