In the hectic frenzy of everyday life, our ears frequently bear the brunt of neglect and inadvertent harm. There are some common but dangerous practices, including utilizing 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.
Ear candling is a no-no
Ear candling, an ancient practice supposed to remove earwax and improve ear health, has gained popularity despite lacking scientific merit. The process involves inserting a hollow candle inside of the ear canal and lighting the opposite end, with the idea that a vacuum is created, pulling out impurities. This practice, however, has been proven in a number of studies to not only be ineffective, but also very risky.
Not only does ear candling fail to remove earwax effectively, but it also poses significant risks. The application of heat near the delicate structures of the ear can result in 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.
In light of these findings, medical experts universally warn against the use of ear candling. There are safer ways to clean your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) warn against using them.
No more cotton swabs
It’s true that lots of 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 poses more dangers than benefits. Impaction and possible injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The eardrum is delicate and objects like cotton swabs can cause considerable damage. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can happen, creating pain, infection, and hearing loss. To avoid these complications, it is beneficial to steer clear of inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead depend upon the ear’s self-cleaning mechanisms or seek professional help if needed.
Keep volumes to a minimum
In an increasingly noisy world, our ears are constantly bombarded by sounds of varying volumes. From bustling city streets to recreational activities such as concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud sound is unavoidable. Nevertheless, sustained or excessive exposure can have harmful effects on auditory health, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s crucial to utilize ear protection and, if you can, avoid overly loud settings in order to avoid damage. This includes wearing hearing protection, including earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy environments and limiting exposure to loud sounds whenever possible.
In addition, when utilizing personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, retaining a moderate volume and taking regular rests can help preserve hearing health.
If you observe any symptoms, act quickly
Taking fast action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to encounter some degree of hearing loss is essential to protect your ears from harm. In spite of the availability of advanced treatments, such as hearing aids, delaying intervention can worsen hearing loss and complicate management.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, trouble understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s important that you acknowledge it. Make an appointment with us right away if you experience any of these symptoms. Your hearing results as well as your quality of life will be significantly enhanced 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 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 cherish the symphony of sounds that enrich our existence.
If you think that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.