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 at risk. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help protect the health of your hearing.
Bid farewell to ear candling
Ear candling, an ancient technique purported to draw out earwax and promote ear health, has gained popularity despite lacking scientific merit. The process involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and lighting the opposite end, with the notion that a vacuum is created, pulling out impurities. However, several studies have debunked this practice, highlighting its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
You may be putting your hearing in jeopardy by employing 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 problems. Also, the residue left behind after ear candling often consists of candle wax and debris rather than extracted earwax.
In light of these findings, medical experts universally discourage the use of ear candling. 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
The appeal of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is unquestionable, with many individuals turning to these seemingly harmless tools for maintenance. However, contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal presents more risks than benefits. Rather than effectively eliminating earwax, swabs can unintentionally jam wax deeper into the ear canal, resulting in impaction and possible injury.
The eardrum is delicate and objects like cotton swabs can cause considerable damage. Pain, infection, and hearing impairment can all be the outcomes of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. To avoid 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.
Keep volumes to a minimum
It’s a loud world we live in and our ears are continuously being assaulted by sounds of all different volumes. Exposure to loud noise is inevitable, from attending 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.
To minimize the threat of hearing damage, it is essential to be conscious of sound levels and take active steps to safeguard your ears. Whenever you can’t steer clear of very loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
Also, take regular breaks and moderate the volume when you’re using personal listening devices like headphones and earpods.
If you notice any symptoms, act promptly
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of maintaining optimal hearing health is being attentive to the signals your ears give you and taking quick action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will most likely exacerbate the issue.
It’s crucial to recognize common signs of hearing impairment, such as difficulty understanding speech, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. Make an appointment with us as soon as possible if you encounter any of these symptoms. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve results and enhance your quality of life.
Your ability to effectively navigate the landscape of your life is dependent on you keeping your hearing as healthy as possible. We can maintain our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, safeguarding our ears against loud noise, and recognizing early warning signs.
If you suspect that you might be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.