Our ears are often what carry the load of accidental harm from neglect in our hectic daily lives. From the allure of ear candling to the seemingly harmless act of utilizing cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these prevalent yet hazardous practices. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help safeguard the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
Ear candling, an ancient practice purported to draw out earwax and promote ear health, has gained popularity despite lacking scientific merit. The process involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and lighting the opposite end, with the notion that a vacuum is created, drawing out impurities. This practice, however, has been proven in a number of studies to not only be ineffective, but also rather risky.
You may 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 result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even exacerbate existing issues. Normally, 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. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) caution against this practice, emphasizing safer alternatives for ear hygiene.
Banish the cotton swabs
The allure of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is indisputable, with many individuals turning to these seemingly harmless tools for maintenance. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more risks than advantages. Impaction and potential injury can be the outcome of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The fragile nature of the eardrum makes it vulnerable to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Injuries, such as perforations or abrasions can occur, leading to pain, infection, and hearing loss. To prevent these complications, it is advisable to refrain from inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead rely on the ear’s self-cleaning systems or seek professional help if needed.
Be mindful of the volume: safeguard against loud noise
In an increasingly noisy world, our ears are constantly bombarded by sounds of differing volumes. Exposure to loud sound is unavoidable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down noisy 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 essential to utilize hearing protection and, if possible, avoid very loud settings in order to prevent damage. Whenever you can’t avoid very loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
Also, take frequent breaks and moderate the volume when you’re utilizing personal listening devices like headphones and earpods.
If you observe any symptoms, act quickly
Perhaps the most essential aspect of sustaining optimal hearing health is being alert to the signals your ears give you and taking prompt action in response to any concerning symptoms. In spite of the availability of advanced treatments, including hearing aids, delaying intervention can exacerbate hearing loss and complicate treatment.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, difficulty understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s important that you acknowledge it. Schedule 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 significantly increased by early detection and intervention.
Your ability to effectively navigate the landscape of your life depends on you keeping your hearing as healthy as you can. We can maintain our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, protecting our ears against loud noise, and identifying early warning signs.
Call us immediately for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.