Our ears are frequently what carry the load of unintentional harm from neglect in our hectic day-to-day lives. There are some common but dangerous practices, like using cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health at risk. Below, we explore four essential methods to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears healthy.
Ear candling is a no-no
Despite the total lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to eliminate earwax has recently gained some popularity. It’s believed that a vacuum is produced when a hollow ear candle is inserted into your ear canal and the wick at the opposite end is lit allegedly drawing impurities out. However, numerous studies have debunked this practice, emphasizing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
Not only does ear candling fail to eliminate earwax effectively, but it also poses substantial hazards. Burns to the sensitive ear structures, perforated eardrums, and aggravation of existing issues 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.
Medical professionals always warn against ear candling because of these findings. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) caution against this practice, emphasizing safer methods for ear hygiene.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
It’s true that many individuals turn to these apparently innocuous tools to clean earwax out of their ears. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more risks than advantages. Impaction and potential injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The delicate nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing impairment can all be the results of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. 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 mechanisms or seek professional help if needed.
Keep volumes to a minimum
It’s a noisy world we live in and our ears are continuously being assaulted by sounds of all different volumes. Exposure to loud sound is inevitable, from attending sporting events and concerts to strolling down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Nonetheless, sustained or excessive exposure can have harmful effects on auditory health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To minimize the risk of hearing damage, it is essential to be conscious of noise levels and take proactive steps to safeguard your ears. This includes using ear protection, including earmuffs or earplugs, in loud settings and restricting exposure to loud sounds whenever you can.
In addition, when using personal audio devices, such as headphones or earbuds, retaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help maintain hearing health.
If you notice any symptoms, act promptly
Taking fast 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 damage. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will most likely exacerbate the problem.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, difficulty 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 encounter any of these symptoms. Early detection and intervention can substantially improve outcomes and improve your quality of life.
In conclusion, the health and well-being of our ears are paramount in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. We can maintain our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, protecting our ears against loud noise, and identifying early warning signs.
If you suspect that you might be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.