In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our ears often bear the brunt of neglect and accidental harm. There are some common but dangerous practices, including making use of cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health in peril. What follows are a few practices you can use to help safeguard the health of your hearing.
Bid farewell to ear candling
Ear candling, an ancient technique purported to remove earwax and improve ear health, has gained popularity despite lacking scientific merit. 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 theoretically pulling impurities out. However, numerous studies have debunked this practice, highlighting its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
You could be putting your hearing in jeopardy by using a practice that won’t even remove any earwax. The application of heat near the delicate structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even exacerbate existing problems. 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 professionals always warn against the use of ear candling. There are safer methods of cleaning your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) warn against using them.
No more cotton swabs
The allure of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is undeniable, 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. Instead of effectively eliminating earwax, swabs can accidentally push wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction and potential injury.
The eardrum is delicate and objects like cotton swabs can cause significant damage. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can happen, leading to pain, infection, and hearing loss. 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 systems or seek professional help if needed.
Be mindful of the volume: protect against loud noise
It’s a noisy world we live in and our ears are continuously being assaulted by noises of all different volume levels. From busy city streets to recreational activities such as concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud noise is ubiquitous. However, sustained or excessive exposure can have harmful effects on auditory health, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To mitigate the risk of hearing damage, it is essential to be aware of noise levels and take proactive measures to protect your ears. Whenever you can’t steer clear of very loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
Additionally, when utilizing personal audio devices, such as headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help preserve hearing health.
Listen to your ears: act quickly on symptoms
Taking quick action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to encounter some degree of hearing loss is crucial to protect your ears from harm. In spite of the availability of advanced treatments, including hearing aids, delaying intervention can exacerbate hearing loss and complicate management.
It is essential to identify common signs of hearing impairment, such as difficulty understanding speech, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. Make an appointment with us right away if you experience any of these symptoms. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve results and enhance your quality of life.
In conclusion, the health and well-being of our ears are paramount in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. By adopting these four practices, 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.
Call us immediately for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.