In the hectic frenzy of everyday life, our ears frequently shoulder the burden of neglect and accidental 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
Despite the utter lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to clear away earwax has recently achieved some popularity. The process involves inserting a hollow candle inside of the ear canal and igniting the opposite end, with the notion that a vacuum is created, pulling out impurities. However, several studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
Not only does ear candling fail to remove earwax efficiently, but it also poses substantial hazards. Burns to the sensitive ear structures, perforated eardrums, and aggravation of existing problems can all be consequences of this practice. Usually, if you notice 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. There are safer ways to clean your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) warn against using them.
Banish the cotton swabs
It’s true that many people turn to these apparently harmless tools to clean earwax out of their ears. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal presents more dangers than advantages. Instead of effectively removing earwax, swabs can accidentally jam wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction and possible injury.
The eardrum is sensitive and objects such as cotton swabs can cause considerable damage. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can happen, resulting in pain, infection, and hearing loss. It would be better to obtain professional help if necessary or otherwise rely on your ear’s self-cleaning ability rather than putting any object in the ear.
Keep volumes to a minimum
It’s a noisy world we live in and our ears are constantly being assaulted by sounds of all different volumes. Exposure to loud sound is inevitable, from attending sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. However, prolonged 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 essential to be conscious of sound levels and take proactive steps to protect your ears. This includes wearing ear protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy settings and restricting exposure to loud sounds whenever possible.
Additionally, when utilizing personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help preserve hearing health.
Listen to your ears: act quickly on symptoms
Taking fast action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to experience some level of hearing loss is crucial to protect your ears from harm. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will probably exacerbate the problem.
It’s essential to identify common signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty 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 encountered, 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 vital in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. By adopting 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 enrich our existence.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.