Our ears are frequently what carry the load of accidental harm from neglect in our hectic daily lives. There are a few common but hazardous practices, like using cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health in peril. Below, we delve into four important methods to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears protected.
Ear candling is a no-no
Ear candling, an ancient practice purported to remove earwax and improve ear health, has gained popularity in spite of lacking scientific merit. It’s believed that a vacuum is created when a hollow ear candle is inserted into your ear canal and the wick at the opposite end is lit theoretically pulling impurities out. However, several studies have debunked this practice, highlighting its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
Not only does ear candling fail to clear away earwax effectively, but it also poses considerable risks. Burns to the sensitive ear structures, perforated eardrums, and aggravation of existing issues can all be consequences of this practice. Normally, 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 options for ear hygiene.
No more cotton swabs
The appeal of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is undeniable, with many people turning to these seemingly innocuous tools for maintenance. But there are more dangers than advantages to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Rather than effectively removing earwax, swabs can inadvertently push wax deeper into the ear canal, resulting in impaction and potential injury.
The fragile nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the results of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. 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 mechanisms or seek professional help if needed.
Keep volumes to a minimum
It’s a loud world we live in and our ears are constantly being assaulted by noises of all different volume levels. Exposure to loud sound is unavoidable, from going to sporting events and concerts to strolling down noisy city streets to mowing your lawn. Nonetheless, prolonged or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on auditory health, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s crucial to use hearing protection and, if you can, avoid excessively loud settings in order to avoid damage. This includes using ear protection, like earmuffs or earplugs, in loud environments and limiting exposure to loud sounds whenever you can.
Also, take regular breaks and moderate the volume when you’re using personal listening devices such as headphones and earpods.
Listen to your ears: act quickly on symptoms
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of maintaining optimal hearing health is being alert to the signals your ears give you and taking quick action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will probably exacerbate the issue.
It is essential to identify 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. Schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms. Your hearing outcomes as well as your quality of life will be significantly enhanced by early detection and intervention.
Your ability to successfully navigate the landscape of your life depends on you keeping your hearing as healthy as possible. By embracing these four strategies, 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 enhance our existence.
Call us immediately for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.
