In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, our ears often shoulder the burden of neglect and accidental harm. From the allure of ear candling to the apparently harmless act of using cotton swabs, our hearing health can suffer from these prevalent yet perilous 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. It’s believed that a vacuum is produced when a hollow ear candle is inserted into your ear canal and the wick at the other end is lit supposedly pulling impurities out. This practice, however, has been proven in a number of studies to not only be ineffective, but also quite risky.
Not only does ear candling fail to remove earwax efficiently, but it also poses substantial risks. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing problems. 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 always warn against 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.
Banish the cotton swabs
The appeal of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is unquestionable, with many people turning to these apparently harmless tools for maintenance. However, contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal presents more risks than benefits. Instead of effectively removing earwax, swabs can inadvertently push wax deeper into the ear canal, resulting in impaction and possible injury.
The sensitive nature of the eardrum makes it vulnerable to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can happen, creating pain, infection, and hearing impairment. To avoid these complications, it is advisable to steer clear of inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead rely on the ear’s self-cleaning mechanisms or seek professional help if needed.
Be mindful of the volume: safeguard against loud noise
In a progressively noisy world, our ears are constantly inundated by sounds of varying intensities. Exposure to loud noise is inevitable, from attending sporting events and concerts to walking down noisy city streets to mowing your lawn. However, sustained or excessive exposure can have harmful effects on hearing health, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To decrease the risk of hearing damage, it is critical to be mindful of sound levels and take proactive steps to safeguard your ears. Whenever you can’t steer clear of extremely loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
Also, take frequent breaks and moderate the volume when you’re utilizing personal listening devices such as headphones and earpods.
If you detect any symptoms, act promptly
Perhaps the most essential aspect of maintaining optimal hearing health is being attentive to the signals your ears provide and taking quick action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will probably worsen the issue.
It is imperative to recognize common signs of hearing impairment, such as difficulty understanding speech, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. Schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms. Early detection and intervention can substantially improve results and enhance your quality of life.
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 preserve our precious sense of hearing and enjoy the symphony of sounds that enrich our existence.
Call us immediately for an evaluation if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.