In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, our ears often bear the brunt of neglect and inadvertent 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. Below, we delve into four essential ways to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears protected.
Ear candling is a no-no
Despite the total lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of attempting to eliminate earwax has recently gained 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 other end is lit allegedly drawing impurities out. However, several studies have debunked this practice, emphasizing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
Not only does ear candling fail to remove earwax efficiently, but it also poses significant risks. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even exacerbate existing problems. Normally, if you notice any wax after ear candling, it will be from the candle itself rather than your ears.
Medical professionals always warn against ear candling because of these findings. There are safer methods of cleaning your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) advise against using them.
No more cotton swabs
It’s true that lots of individuals turn to these apparently innocuous tools to clean earwax out of their ears. But there are more risks than benefits to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Rather than effectively eliminating earwax, swabs can inadvertently pack wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction and potential injury.
The fragile nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Injuries, such as perforations or abrasions can occur, leading to pain, infection, and hearing loss. To avoid 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.
Mind the volume: safeguard 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. Exposure to loud sound is unavoidable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Over-exposure to loud noises like these can have negative effects on your hearing health leading to tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
It’s essential to use ear protection and, if possible, avoid excessively loud settings in order to avoid damage. Whenever you can’t steer clear of really loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
In addition, when utilizing personal audio devices, such as headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help maintain hearing health.
If you detect any symptoms, act promptly
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of sustaining optimal hearing health is being attentive to the signals your ears give you and taking prompt action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will most likely worsen the problem.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, trouble understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s important that you recognize it. Make an appointment with us as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms. Your hearing results as well as your quality of life will be substantially increased 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 adopting 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 enhance our existence.
If you think that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.
