In the hectic frenzy of everyday life, our ears frequently shoulder the burden of neglect and inadvertent harm. From the allure of ear candling to the seemingly harmless act of utilizing cotton swabs, our hearing health can suffer from these common yet dangerous practices. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help protect the health of your hearing.
Say good by to ear candling
Despite the total lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of attempting to remove 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 notion 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 remove earwax effectively, but it also poses substantial risks. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing issues. 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 ways to clean your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) advise against using them.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
The allure of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is unquestionable, with many people turning to these seemingly harmless tools for maintenance. But there are more risks than benefits to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Impaction and potential injury can be the outcome of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The sensitive nature of the eardrum makes it vulnerable to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the results of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. It would be better to seek professional assistance if necessary or otherwise rely on your ear’s self-cleaning ability instead of 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 constantly being assaulted by sounds of all different volume levels. From bustling city streets to recreational activities like concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud noise is unavoidable. Over-exposure to loud noises like these can have detrimental effects on your hearing health resulting in tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
It’s crucial to use ear protection and, if you can, avoid overly loud settings in order to prevent damage. This includes using ear protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy environments and restricting exposure to loud noises whenever you can.
In addition, when using personal audio devices, such as headphones or earbuds, retaining a moderate volume and taking regular rests can help maintain hearing health.
If you notice any symptoms, act quickly
Taking fast action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to encounter some level of hearing loss is critical to protect your ears from damage. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will probably worsen the issue.
It’s imperative 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 as soon as possible if you encounter any of these symptoms. Your hearing results as well as your quality of life will be significantly 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. We can maintain our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, safeguarding our ears against loud noise, and recognizing early warning signs.
Call us today for an evaluation if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.