Our ears are often what carry the load of unintentional harm from neglect in our hectic daily lives. There are some common but hazardous practices, including utilizing cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health in peril. Below, we explore four essential ways to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears healthy.
Bid farewell to ear candling
Ear candling, an ancient practice purported to remove earwax and promote ear health, has gained popularity in spite of lacking scientific merit. It’s believed that a vacuum is created 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 several studies to not only be ineffective, but also very risky.
You might be putting your hearing in jeopardy by using a practice that won’t even remove any earwax. The application of heat near the delicate structures of the ear can result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing issues. Also, the residue left behind after ear candling often consists of candle wax and debris as opposed to extracted earwax.
In light of these findings, medical experts universally 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 allure of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is undeniable, with many people turning to these seemingly harmless tools for maintenance. However, contrary to popular belief, 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 delicate nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from foreign 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 advisable to refrain from inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead rely on the ear’s self-cleaning systems or seek professional assistance if necessary.
Mind the volume: safeguard against loud noise
It’s a noisy world we live in and our ears are continuously being assaulted by sounds of all different volumes. From bustling city streets to recreational activities such as concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud sound is ubiquitous. Nonetheless, prolonged 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 essential to be conscious of noise levels and take active measures to safeguard your ears. Whenever you can’t steer clear of really loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be used.
Also, take regular breaks and moderate the volume when you’re utilizing personal listening devices such as headphones and earpods.
Listen to your ears: act quickly on symptoms
Taking fast 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 damage. If you hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will most likely worsen the problem.
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. Make an appointment with us right away if you encounter any of these symptoms. 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 vital in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. We can maintain our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, safeguarding our ears against loud noise, and identifying early warning symptoms.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.