Our ears are frequently what carry the load of accidental harm from neglect in our hectic daily lives. There are some common but dangerous practices, like making use of cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health in peril. Below, we delve into four essential methods to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears protected.
Ear candling is a no-no
Ear candling, an ancient technique purported to remove earwax and improve ear health, has gained popularity despite lacking scientific merit. The process involves inserting a hollow candle inside of the ear canal and lighting the opposite end, with the notion that a vacuum is created, pulling out impurities. However, several studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
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 exacerbation 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.
In light of these findings, medical experts universally warn against the use of ear candling. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) caution against this practice, emphasizing safer alternatives for ear hygiene.
No more cotton swabs
It’s true that many people turn to these seemingly harmless tools to clean earwax out of their ears. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more dangers than benefits. Impaction and possible injury can be the outcome of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The eardrum is sensitive and objects like cotton swabs can cause significant damage. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can happen, creating pain, infection, and hearing loss. To prevent these complications, it is beneficial to steer clear of inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead rely on the ear’s self-cleaning systems or seek professional assistance if needed.
Mind the volume: safeguard against loud noise
It’s a noisy 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 such as concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud noise is ubiquitous. Nevertheless, sustained or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on hearing 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 measures to protect your ears. This includes using hearing protection, including earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy environments and restricting exposure to loud sounds whenever you can.
Also, take frequent breaks and moderate the volume when you’re utilizing personal listening devices like headphones and earpods.
If you notice any symptoms, act quickly
Taking quick 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 harm. If you hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will probably exacerbate the issue.
It’s crucial 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. If any of these symptoms are experienced, seek evaluation from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) promptly. Your hearing outcomes as well as your quality of life will be significantly 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 you can. By embracing these four strategies, avoiding ear candling and cotton swabs, protecting against loud noise, and understanding early warning signs, we can maintain our precious sense of hearing and enjoy the symphony of sounds that enrich our existence.
Call us today for an evaluation if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.