Our ears are frequently what carry the load of accidental harm from neglect in our hectic daily lives. There are a few common but dangerous practices, like using cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health at risk. Below, we delve into four important strategies to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears protected.
Bid farewell to ear candling
Ear candling, an ancient practice purported to draw out earwax and improve ear health, has gained popularity despite 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 allegedly drawing 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 significant risks. The application of heat near the delicate structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing problems. Moreover, the residue left behind after ear candling frequently is comprised of candle wax and debris rather than extracted earwax.
In light of these findings, medical professionals always discourage 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) advise against using them.
No more cotton swabs
It’s true that lots of individuals turn to these seemingly innocuous tools to clean earwax out of their ears. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more dangers than benefits. Instead of effectively eliminating earwax, swabs can accidentally jam wax deeper into the ear canal, resulting in impaction and potential injury.
The delicate nature of the eardrum makes it vulnerable to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Injuries, such as perforations or abrasions can occur, creating pain, infection, and hearing impairment. To avoid these complications, it is beneficial to refrain from inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead rely on the ear’s self-cleaning systems or seek professional help if necessary.
Keep volumes to a minimum
In an increasingly noisy world, our ears are constantly bombarded by sounds of varying volumes. Exposure to loud noise is unavoidable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Over-exposure to loud noises like these can have detrimental effects on your hearing health leading to tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
It’s essential to utilize ear protection and, if you can, avoid excessively loud settings in order to prevent damage. This includes wearing hearing protection, including earmuffs or earplugs, in loud settings and limiting exposure to loud noises whenever you can.
Additionally, when utilizing personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular rests can help maintain hearing health.
If you detect any symptoms, act quickly
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 hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will probably exacerbate the issue.
It is essential to identify common signs of hearing impairment, such as trouble 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 encounter any of these symptoms. Your hearing outcomes as well as your quality of life will be significantly increased by early detection and intervention.
In conclusion, the health and well-being of our ears are paramount in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. We can preserve our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, safeguarding our ears against loud noise, and recognizing early warning signs.
If you think that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.