In the hectic frenzy of everyday life, our ears often shoulder the burden of neglect and inadvertent harm. From the allure of ear candling to the apparently harmless act of utilizing cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these common yet perilous practices. Below, we delve into four essential methods to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears protected.
Ear candling is a no-no
Despite the utter lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to clear away earwax has recently achieved 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 supposedly pulling impurities out. This practice, however, has been proven in several studies to not only be ineffective, but also rather risky.
You may be putting your hearing in jeopardy by using a practice that won’t even eliminate any earwax. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing issues. Furthermore, the residue left behind after ear candling frequently 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. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) caution against this practice, emphasizing safer alternatives for ear hygiene.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
It’s true that lots of 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 benefits. Rather than effectively eliminating earwax, swabs can unintentionally push wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction and possible injury.
The sensitive nature of the eardrum makes it vulnerable to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Injuries, such as perforations or abrasions can occur, leading to pain, infection, and hearing impairment. It would be better to obtain professional assistance 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
It’s a loud world we live in and our ears are constantly being assaulted by sounds of all different volumes. From bustling city streets to leisure activities such as concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud noise is unavoidable. Nevertheless, sustained or excessive exposure can have harmful effects on auditory health, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s essential to use ear protection and, if you can, avoid excessively loud settings in order to prevent damage. Whenever you can’t steer clear of really loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
Also, take frequent breaks and moderate the volume when you’re using personal listening devices such as headphones and earpods.
If you notice any symptoms, act quickly
Perhaps the most essential aspect of maintaining optimal hearing health is being alert to the signals your ears give you and taking quick action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will probably worsen the problem.
It is essential to identify 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 right away 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 paramount in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. By adopting these four practices, 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 enhance our existence.
If you think that you might be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.