In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, our ears often bear the brunt of neglect and accidental harm. There are some common but dangerous practices, including utilizing cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health at risk. Below, we explore four essential strategies to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears healthy.
Ear candling is a no-no
Despite the total lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of attempting to clear away earwax has recently achieved some popularity. It’s believed that a vacuum is produced when a hollow ear candle is inserted into your ear canal and the wick at the other end is lit allegedly pulling impurities out. 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 eliminate earwax efficiently, but it also poses substantial risks. 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.
Medical professionals always warn against ear candling because of these findings. There are safer methods of cleaning your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) advise against using them.
Banish the cotton swabs
The attraction of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is indisputable, with many individuals turning to these seemingly harmless tools for maintenance. But there are more dangers 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 potential injury.
The eardrum is delicate and objects like cotton swabs can cause considerable damage. Injuries, such as perforations or abrasions can happen, creating pain, infection, and hearing loss. It would be better to obtain professional help if necessary or otherwise depend on your ear’s self-cleaning ability instead of putting any object in the ear.
Be mindful of the volume: safeguard against loud noise
In an increasingly noisy world, our ears are constantly inundated by sounds of differing volumes. Exposure to loud noise is unavoidable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Nevertheless, sustained or excessive exposure can have harmful effects on auditory health, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To mitigate the threat of hearing damage, it is critical to be conscious of sound levels and take proactive measures to protect your ears. Whenever you can’t steer clear of extremely loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
Additionally, when using personal audio devices, such as headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular rests can help maintain hearing health.
Listen to your ears: act promptly on symptoms
Taking fast action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to experience some level of hearing loss is critical to protect your ears from damage. Despite the availability of advanced treatments, such as hearing aids, holding off on intervention can worsen hearing loss and complicate management.
It is crucial 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. Make an appointment with us right away if you experience 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 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 enrich our existence.
If you suspect that you might be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.