Our ears are often what carry the load of unintentional harm from neglect in our hectic day-to-day lives. There are a few common but dangerous 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.
Bid farewell to ear candling
Despite the total 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 lighting the opposite end, with the idea that a vacuum is created, drawing out impurities. However, numerous studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
Not only does ear candling fail to clear away earwax effectively, but it also poses considerable hazards. The application of heat near the delicate structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even exacerbate existing issues. Moreover, the residue left behind after ear candling often is comprised of candle wax and debris as opposed to extracted earwax.
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.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
The appeal of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is undeniable, with many individuals turning to these seemingly innocuous tools for maintenance. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more dangers than benefits. Impaction and possible injury can be the result 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. Injuries, such as perforations or abrasions can happen, resulting in pain, infection, and hearing impairment. To avoid these complications, it is beneficial to steer clear of inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead depend on the ear’s self-cleaning systems or seek professional assistance if needed.
Keep volumes to a minimum
In an increasingly noisy world, our ears are continuously inundated by sounds of varying intensities. From busy city streets to recreational activities like concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud sound is ubiquitous. Nevertheless, sustained or excessive exposure can have harmful effects on auditory health, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To minimize the threat of hearing damage, it is critical to be aware of noise levels and take proactive steps to safeguard your ears. Whenever you can’t steer clear of really loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
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.
Listen to your ears: act quickly on symptoms
Perhaps the most essential aspect of sustaining optimal hearing health is being attentive to the signals your ears give you and taking prompt action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will probably exacerbate the issue.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, difficulty understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s essential that you recognize it. If any of these symptoms are encountered, seek assessment from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) immediately. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve results and enhance your quality of life.
In conclusion, the health and well-being of our ears are vital in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. We can maintain our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, protecting our ears against loud noise, and recognizing early warning symptoms.
If you suspect that you might be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.