Our ears are frequently what carry the load of accidental harm from neglect in our busy day-to-day lives. There are a few common but dangerous practices, like making use of cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health in peril. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help protect 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 eliminate earwax has recently achieved 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 opposite end is lit theoretically drawing impurities out. However, several studies have debunked this practice, emphasizing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
Not only does ear candling fail to eliminate earwax efficiently, but it also poses significant risks. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing issues. Moreover, the residue left behind after ear candling often is comprised of candle wax and debris as opposed to extracted earwax.
In light of these findings, medical experts universally 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.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
The attraction of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is indisputable, with many individuals turning to these seemingly innocuous tools for maintenance. However, contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more dangers than advantages. Impaction and possible injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The delicate nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can occur, leading to pain, infection, and hearing impairment. It would be better to seek professional assistance if necessary or otherwise depend on your ear’s self-cleaning ability instead of putting any object in the ear.
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 volumes. Exposure to loud noise is inevitable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Over-exposure to loud sounds like these can have detrimental effects on your hearing health leading to tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
To mitigate the risk of hearing damage, it is critical to be aware of noise levels and take active steps to safeguard your ears. Whenever you can’t steer clear of extremely loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be used.
Also, take frequent breaks and moderate the volume when you’re using personal listening devices like headphones and earpods.
Listen to your ears: act quickly on symptoms
Taking fast action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to experience some degree of hearing loss is crucial to protect your ears from harm. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will probably worsen the issue.
It’s crucial to recognize 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. Schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes and improve 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 today for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.
