Our ears are often what carry the load of accidental harm from neglect in our busy daily lives. There are a few common but hazardous practices, including utilizing cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health in peril. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help safeguard the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
In spite of the utter lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to remove earwax has recently gained some popularity. 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 quite risky.
Not only does ear candling fail to remove earwax effectively, but it also poses substantial risks. Burns to the sensitive ear structures, perforated eardrums, and exacerbation of existing problems can all be consequences of this practice. Moreover, the residue left behind after ear candling often is comprised of candle wax and debris as opposed to extracted earwax.
In light of these findings, medical professionals always warn against the use of ear candling. There are safer methods of cleaning your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) warn against using them.
Banish the cotton swabs
The allure of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is unquestionable, with many individuals turning to these apparently innocuous tools for maintenance. However, contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more dangers than advantages. Instead of effectively removing earwax, swabs can accidentally push wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction and potential injury.
The eardrum is sensitive and objects like cotton swabs can cause considerable damage. Pain, infection, and hearing impairment can all be the results of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. It would be better to seek professional help if necessary or otherwise depend on your ear’s self-cleaning ability instead of putting any object in the ear.
Keep volumes to a minimum
In a progressively noisy world, our ears are continuously bombarded by sounds of varying volumes. Exposure to loud sound is inevitable, from going to sporting events and concerts to strolling down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Over-exposure to loud sounds like these can have detrimental effects on your hearing health leading to tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
It’s essential to utilize hearing protection and, if you can, avoid excessively loud settings in order to prevent damage. Whenever you can’t steer clear of very 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.
If you notice any symptoms, act quickly
Taking quick action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to encounter some degree of hearing loss is essential to protect your ears from harm. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will probably worsen the issue.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, trouble understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s essential that you recognize it. Schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms. Your hearing results as well as your quality of life will be substantially increased 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 enjoy the symphony of sounds that enrich our existence.
If you think that you might be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.
