In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our ears often shoulder the burden of neglect and inadvertent harm. From the allure of ear candling to the apparently harmless act of using cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these common yet dangerous practices. What follows are a few practices you can use to help safeguard the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
In spite of the utter 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 igniting the opposite end, with the belief 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 rather risky.
You could be putting your hearing in jeopardy by using a practice that won’t even remove any earwax. Burns to the sensitive ear structures, perforated eardrums, and aggravation of existing issues can all be consequences of this practice. Normally, 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. 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
The appeal 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 advantages to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Impaction and potential injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The eardrum is sensitive and objects like cotton swabs can cause significant damage. Pain, infection, and hearing impairment can all be the results of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. To prevent these complications, it is advisable to refrain from inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead depend upon 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 noises of all different volume levels. From bustling city streets to leisure activities like concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud noise is unavoidable. Nonetheless, sustained or excessive exposure can have harmful effects on auditory health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To mitigate the threat of hearing damage, it is essential to be aware of noise levels and take proactive measures to protect your ears. This includes wearing hearing protection, like earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy environments and restricting exposure to loud sounds whenever you can.
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 quickly on symptoms
Taking fast action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to encounter some degree of hearing loss is crucial to protect your ears from harm. If you hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will most likely worsen the problem.
It is crucial to identify common signs of hearing loss, 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 results 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 paramount in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. By embracing 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 suspect that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.