In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, our ears often shoulder the burden of neglect and accidental harm. From the allure of ear candling to the seemingly harmless act of utilizing cotton swabs, our hearing health can suffer from these prevalent yet dangerous practices. What follows are a few practices you can use to help safeguard the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
In spite of the utter lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to remove earwax has recently achieved some popularity. The process involves inserting a hollow candle inside of the ear canal and igniting the opposite end, with the belief that a vacuum is created, drawing out impurities. However, several studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
You may be putting your hearing in peril by using a practice that won’t even eliminate any earwax. The application of heat near the delicate structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing issues. Also, the residue left behind after ear candling frequently is comprised of candle wax and debris rather than extracted earwax.
In light of these findings, medical experts 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 attraction of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is undeniable, with many people turning to these seemingly innocuous tools for maintenance. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal presents more dangers than benefits. Impaction and possible injury can be the outcome of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The eardrum is delicate and objects like cotton swabs can cause considerable damage. Pain, infection, and hearing impairment can all be the results of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. To prevent these complications, it is advisable to steer clear of inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead rely on the ear’s self-cleaning systems or seek professional assistance 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 volumes. Exposure to loud sound is inevitable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down noisy city streets to mowing your lawn. However, prolonged or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on hearing health, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s crucial to use hearing protection and, if possible, avoid overly loud settings in order to prevent damage. Whenever you can’t steer clear of extremely loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
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
Perhaps the most critical aspect of sustaining optimal hearing health is being alert to the signals your ears provide and taking prompt action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will probably exacerbate the issue.
It is imperative to recognize common signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty 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 assessment from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) immediately. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes and enhance your quality of life.
In conclusion, the health and well-being of our ears are vital in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. We can maintain our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, protecting our ears against loud noise, and identifying early warning signs.
If you think that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.