In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our ears often bear the brunt of neglect and inadvertent harm. There are some common but hazardous practices, like utilizing cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health at risk. What follows are a few practices you can use to help safeguard the health of your hearing.
Bid farewell to ear candling
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 idea that a vacuum is created, pulling out impurities. This practice, however, has been proven in a number of studies to not only be ineffective, but also rather risky.
Not only does ear candling fail to eliminate earwax effectively, but it also poses substantial risks. The application of heat near the delicate structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even exacerbate existing issues. Usually, 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 experts always discourage 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
The attraction of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is unquestionable, with many individuals turning to these seemingly innocuous tools for maintenance. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal presents more risks than benefits. Rather than effectively removing earwax, swabs can unintentionally push wax deeper into the ear canal, resulting in impaction and possible injury.
The delicate nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the results of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. To avoid these complications, it is beneficial to refrain from inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead depend upon the ear’s self-cleaning systems or seek professional help if necessary.
Keep volumes to a minimum
It’s a loud world we live in and our ears are constantly being assaulted by noises of all different volumes. From busy city streets to recreational activities such as 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 mitigate the threat of hearing damage, it is critical to be aware of noise levels and take active steps to protect your ears. Whenever you can’t avoid really loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
In addition, when using personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help preserve hearing health.
If you notice any symptoms, act promptly
Taking quick action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to encounter some degree of hearing loss is crucial to protect your ears from harm. In spite of the availability of advanced treatments, such as hearing aids, delaying intervention can exacerbate hearing loss and complicate treatment.
It is imperative to recognize 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. If any of these symptoms are experienced, seek evaluation from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) immediately. Early detection and intervention can substantially improve outcomes and enhance your quality of life.
Your ability to effectively navigate the landscape of your life is dependent on you keeping your hearing as healthy as you can. By embracing these four practices, 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 enrich our existence.
If you think that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.