In the hectic frenzy of day-to-day life, our ears often shoulder the burden of neglect and inadvertent harm. There are a few common but dangerous practices, like utilizing cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health at risk. Below, we explore four essential strategies to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears healthy.
Ear candling is a no-no
Ear candling, an ancient technique purported to extract 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, drawing out impurities. However, numerous studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
Not only does ear candling fail to remove earwax efficiently, but it also poses significant hazards. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even exacerbate existing issues. Usually, 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. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) caution against this practice, emphasizing safer methods for ear hygiene.
No more cotton swabs
It’s true that lots of people turn to these apparently harmless 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 accidentally jam wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction and possible injury.
The fragile nature of the eardrum makes it vulnerable to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing impairment can all be the outcomes of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. It would be better to seek professional assistance if necessary or otherwise depend on your ear’s self-cleaning ability rather than putting any object in the ear.
Be mindful of the volume: safeguard against loud noise
In a progressively noisy world, our ears are constantly inundated by sounds of varying intensities. Exposure to loud sound is inevitable, from going to sporting events and concerts to strolling down noisy city streets to mowing your lawn. Nevertheless, prolonged or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on hearing health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s essential to utilize ear protection and, if you can, avoid excessively loud settings in order to prevent damage. Whenever you can’t steer clear of very loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
In addition, when using personal audio devices, such as headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular rests can help maintain hearing health.
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 crucial to protect your ears from damage. If you hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will most likely exacerbate the issue.
It is essential to identify 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 evaluation from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) promptly. Your hearing outcomes as well as your quality of life will be substantially enhanced by early detection and intervention.
Your ability to successfully navigate the landscape of your life is dependent on you keeping your hearing as healthy as possible. By embracing these four practices, avoiding ear candling and cotton swabs, protecting against loud noise, and understanding early warning signs, we can preserve our precious sense of hearing and enjoy the symphony of sounds that enrich our existence.
Call us immediately for an evaluation if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.