Our ears are often what carry the load of unintentional harm from neglect in our hectic day-to-day lives. From the allure of ear candling to the seemingly harmless act of utilizing cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these prevalent yet hazardous practices. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help protect the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
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 opposite end is lit allegedly pulling impurities out. This practice, however, has been proven in a number of studies to not only be ineffective, but also rather risky.
Not only does ear candling fail to remove earwax effectively, but it also poses considerable risks. Burns to the delicate ear structures, perforated eardrums, and aggravation of existing problems can all be consequences of this practice. Normally, if you notice any wax after ear candling, it will be from the candle itself rather than your ears.
In light of these findings, medical professionals always warn against the use of ear candling. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) warn against this practice, emphasizing safer options for ear hygiene.
No more cotton swabs
The attraction of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is undeniable, with many individuals turning to these apparently innocuous tools for maintenance. But there are more risks than benefits to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Impaction and potential injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The eardrum is sensitive and objects like cotton swabs can cause significant damage. Injuries, such as perforations or abrasions can occur, leading to pain, infection, and hearing impairment. It would be better to seek professional help if necessary or otherwise rely on your ear’s self-cleaning ability rather than putting any object in the ear.
Be mindful of the volume: protect against loud noise
It’s a noisy world we live in and our ears are continuously being assaulted by sounds of all different volume levels. From bustling city streets to recreational activities such as concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud noise is ubiquitous. Nevertheless, prolonged or excessive exposure can have harmful effects on hearing health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To decrease the risk of hearing damage, it is essential to be aware of sound levels and take active measures to protect your ears. Whenever you can’t avoid extremely loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
Also, take regular breaks and moderate the volume when you’re utilizing personal listening devices like headphones and earpods.
Listen to your ears: act quickly on symptoms
Taking quick action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to experience some degree of hearing loss is critical to protect your ears from damage. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will most likely exacerbate the issue.
It is crucial to recognize 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. Make an appointment with us as soon as possible if you experience 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. 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.
Call us today for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.