In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, our ears often bear the brunt of neglect and inadvertent harm. There are a few common but hazardous practices, including using cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health at risk. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help protect the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
Ear candling, an ancient technique purported to extract earwax and improve ear health, has gained popularity despite 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 allegedly pulling impurities out. However, numerous studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
You might be putting your hearing in jeopardy by using a practice that won’t even eliminate any earwax. Burns to the sensitive ear structures, perforated eardrums, and exacerbation of existing issues can all be consequences of this practice. 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 professionals universally warn against the use of ear candling. 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 many people turn to these apparently innocuous tools to clean earwax out of their ears. However, contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal presents more risks than benefits. Impaction and possible injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The fragile nature of the eardrum makes it vulnerable to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can occur, resulting in 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.
Keep volumes to a minimum
In a progressively noisy world, our ears are constantly inundated by sounds of varying intensities. Exposure to loud sound is unavoidable, from attending sporting events and concerts to strolling down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Nevertheless, sustained or excessive exposure can have harmful effects on hearing health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To mitigate the threat of hearing damage, it is critical to be conscious of sound levels and take active steps to protect your ears. Whenever you can’t steer clear of extremely loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be used.
Additionally, when using personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, retaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help maintain hearing health.
If you observe any symptoms, act quickly
Perhaps the most critical aspect of maintaining optimal hearing health is being alert to the signals your ears provide and taking prompt action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will probably exacerbate the problem.
It’s essential 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 encounter any of these symptoms. Your hearing outcomes as well as your quality of life will be substantially enhanced by early detection and intervention.
In conclusion, the health and well-being of our ears are vital 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.
If you think that you might be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.