In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our ears frequently bear the brunt of neglect and accidental harm. There are a few common but hazardous practices, including making use of 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.
Ear candling is a no-no
In spite of the total lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of attempting to clear away earwax has recently achieved 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. 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 considerable risks. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even exacerbate existing problems. Furthermore, the residue left behind after ear candling often is comprised of candle wax and debris as opposed to extracted earwax.
Medical professionals always discourage 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.
No more cotton swabs
It’s true that many individuals turn to these apparently harmless tools to clean earwax out of their ears. However, contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal presents more risks than advantages. Impaction and potential injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The eardrum is sensitive and objects like cotton swabs can cause significant damage. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the outcomes of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. To prevent these complications, it is advisable to steer clear of inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead depend on the ear’s self-cleaning mechanisms or seek professional help if necessary.
Keep volumes to a minimum
In an increasingly noisy world, our ears are constantly inundated by sounds of varying volumes. From bustling city streets to recreational activities like concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud noise is ubiquitous. Nonetheless, prolonged or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on auditory health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s crucial to utilize hearing protection and, if you can, avoid overly loud settings in order to prevent damage. Whenever you can’t avoid extremely loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be used.
Additionally, when using personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, retaining a moderate volume and taking regular rests can help preserve hearing health.
Listen to your ears: act promptly on symptoms
Perhaps the most essential aspect of maintaining optimal hearing health is being attentive to the signals your ears provide and taking prompt action in response to any concerning symptoms. In spite of the availability of advanced treatments, such as hearing aids, holding off on intervention can worsen 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 essential that you recognize it. If any of these symptoms are experienced, seek assessment from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) immediately. Your hearing outcomes 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. 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 cherish the symphony of sounds that enhance our existence.
If you think that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.