In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our ears frequently shoulder the burden of neglect and accidental harm. There are some common but dangerous practices, including using cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health in peril. Below, we delve into four important strategies to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears protected.
Ear candling is a no-no
In spite of the total lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to remove earwax has recently gained some popularity. The process involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and lighting the opposite end, with the idea that a vacuum is created, drawing out impurities. This practice, however, has been proven in several studies to not only be ineffective, but also quite risky.
Not only does ear candling fail to clear away earwax efficiently, but it also poses substantial hazards. The application of heat near the delicate structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even exacerbate existing issues. Usually, if you see any wax after ear candling, it will be from the candle itself rather than your ears.
Medical professionals always discourage 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 options for ear hygiene.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
The attraction of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is indisputable, with many individuals turning to these apparently harmless tools for maintenance. But there are more risks than benefits to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Rather than effectively removing earwax, swabs can unintentionally pack wax deeper into the ear canal, resulting in impaction and possible injury.
The fragile nature of the eardrum makes it vulnerable to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the outcomes of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. To avoid these complications, it is advisable to refrain from inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead depend on the ear’s self-cleaning mechanisms or seek professional assistance if needed.
Mind the volume: protect against loud noise
It’s a loud world we live in and our ears are continuously being assaulted by sounds of all different volume levels. Exposure to loud sound is inevitable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Nonetheless, prolonged 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 possible, avoid excessively loud settings in order to avoid damage. This includes wearing ear protection, like earmuffs or earplugs, in loud settings and limiting exposure to loud sounds whenever you can.
Also, take frequent breaks and moderate the volume when you’re utilizing personal listening devices like headphones and earpods.
Listen to your ears: act promptly on symptoms
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of sustaining optimal hearing health is being alert to the signals your ears provide and taking prompt action in response to any concerning symptoms. In spite of the availability of advanced treatments, such as hearing aids, delaying intervention can worsen hearing loss and complicate management.
It’s 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 right away if you experience any of these symptoms. Early detection and intervention can substantially improve outcomes and improve your quality of life.
Your ability to effectively navigate the landscape of your life is dependent on you keeping your hearing as healthy as possible. By embracing 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 enjoy 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.
