Our ears are frequently what carry the load of unintentional harm from neglect in our hectic daily lives. There are a few common but hazardous practices, including using 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 practice supposed to remove earwax and promote ear health, has gained popularity in spite of 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 supposedly drawing impurities out. However, numerous studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
You might 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 result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing problems. Moreover, the residue left behind after ear candling often is comprised of candle wax and debris rather than extracted earwax.
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) warn against this practice, emphasizing safer methods for ear hygiene.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
It’s true that many individuals turn to these seemingly harmless tools to clean earwax out of their ears. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal presents more risks than benefits. Instead of effectively eliminating earwax, swabs can unintentionally pack wax deeper into the ear canal, resulting in impaction and possible injury.
The eardrum is sensitive and objects such as cotton swabs can cause substantial damage. Pain, infection, and hearing impairment can all be the outcomes 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 necessary.
Mind the volume: protect against loud noise
It’s a noisy world we live in and our ears are constantly being assaulted by noises of all different volumes. Exposure to loud noise is inevitable, from going to sporting events and concerts to strolling down noisy city streets to mowing your lawn. However, sustained or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on hearing health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s crucial to utilize ear protection and, if you can, avoid overly loud settings in order to prevent damage. Whenever you can’t avoid really loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be used.
In addition, when utilizing personal audio devices, such as headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help preserve hearing health.
If you observe any symptoms, act quickly
Taking quick 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 harm. Despite the availability of advanced treatments, including hearing aids, delaying intervention can worsen hearing loss and complicate treatment.
It is imperative to recognize common signs of hearing impairment, such as trouble understanding speech, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. Make an appointment with us as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms. Early detection and intervention can substantially 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. We can maintain our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, safeguarding our ears against loud noise, and recognizing early warning signs.
If you think that you might be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.