In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, our ears frequently 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 in peril. What follows are a few practices you can use to help protect the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
Despite the complete lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of attempting to eliminate earwax has recently gained some popularity. The process involves inserting a hollow candle inside of the ear canal and igniting the opposite end, with the idea that a vacuum is created, pulling out impurities. This practice, however, has been proven in several studies to not only be ineffective, but also rather risky.
You could be putting your hearing in jeopardy by employing a practice that won’t even remove any earwax. The application of heat near the delicate structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even exacerbate existing problems. 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 always warn against the use of ear candling. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) warn against this practice, emphasizing safer methods for ear hygiene.
No more cotton swabs
It’s true that many individuals turn to these seemingly harmless tools to clean earwax out of their ears. However, contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal presents more risks than advantages. Rather than effectively eliminating earwax, swabs can accidentally jam wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction and potential injury.
The eardrum is sensitive and objects like cotton swabs can cause considerable damage. Pain, infection, and hearing impairment can all be the outcomes of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. It would be better to seek professional help if necessary or otherwise rely on your ear’s self-cleaning ability rather than putting any object in the ear.
Be mindful of the volume: protect against loud noise
It’s a noisy world we live in and our ears are continuously being assaulted by noises of all different volumes. Exposure to loud sound is inevitable, from going to sporting events and concerts to strolling down noisy city streets to mowing your lawn. However, sustained or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on hearing health, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To decrease the threat of hearing damage, it is essential to be conscious of noise levels and take proactive measures to safeguard your ears. Whenever you can’t steer clear of extremely loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
In addition, when using personal audio devices, such as headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help preserve hearing health.
If you detect any symptoms, act promptly
Perhaps the most critical aspect of maintaining optimal hearing health is being attentive to the signals your ears give you and taking prompt action in response to any concerning symptoms. Despite the availability of advanced treatments, such as hearing aids, delaying intervention can exacerbate hearing loss and complicate treatment.
It is imperative to identify common signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty 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.
Your ability to effectively 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 cherish the symphony of sounds that enhance our existence.
If you suspect that you might be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.