Our ears are frequently what carry the load of unintentional harm from neglect in our hectic day-to-day lives. There are a few common but dangerous practices, like making use of cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health in peril. Below, we explore four essential strategies to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears healthy.
Say good by to ear candling
In spite of the complete lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to clear away earwax has recently gained some popularity. The process involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and igniting the opposite end, with the belief that a vacuum is created, drawing out impurities. However, numerous studies have debunked this practice, emphasizing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
Not only does ear candling fail to clear away earwax effectively, but it also poses significant risks. Burns to the delicate ear structures, perforated eardrums, and aggravation 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.
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.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
The allure of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is unquestionable, with many people turning to these seemingly innocuous tools for maintenance. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more risks 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, like perforations or abrasions can occur, leading to 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 mechanisms or seek professional help if necessary.
Be mindful of the volume: safeguard against loud noise
It’s a loud world we live in and our ears are continuously being assaulted by noises of all different volume levels. Exposure to loud sound is unavoidable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Nonetheless, prolonged or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on auditory health, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s crucial to use ear protection and, if you can, avoid excessively loud settings in order to prevent damage. This includes using ear protection, like earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy settings and limiting exposure to loud noises whenever you can.
Also, take frequent breaks and moderate the volume when you’re using personal listening devices such as headphones and earpods.
If you detect any symptoms, act quickly
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of sustaining optimal hearing health is being alert to the signals your ears give you and taking prompt action in response to any concerning symptoms. Despite the availability of advanced treatments, including hearing aids, holding off on intervention can exacerbate hearing loss and complicate management.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, difficulty understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s essential that you acknowledge 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 increased by early detection and intervention.
Your ability to successfully navigate the landscape of your life is dependent on you keeping your hearing as healthy as you can. By adopting 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 enhance our existence.
If you think that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.