Our ears are frequently what carry the load of unintentional harm from neglect in our hectic day-to-day lives. There are a few common but hazardous practices, like using cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health at risk. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help safeguard the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
In spite of the total lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of attempting to eliminate earwax has recently gained some popularity. The process involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and igniting the opposite end, with the notion that a vacuum is created, pulling out impurities. However, numerous studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
Not only does ear candling fail to clear away earwax efficiently, but it also poses considerable risks. Burns to the delicate ear structures, perforated eardrums, and exacerbation of existing problems can all be consequences of this practice. Also, the residue left behind after ear candling frequently consists of candle wax and debris as opposed to extracted earwax.
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.
Banish the cotton swabs
The attraction of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is indisputable, with many individuals turning to these apparently harmless tools for maintenance. But there are more dangers than advantages to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Impaction and possible 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 considerable damage. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can occur, creating pain, infection, and hearing loss. To prevent these complications, it is beneficial to steer clear of inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead depend upon the ear’s self-cleaning systems or seek professional assistance if needed.
Be mindful of the volume: protect against loud noise
In an increasingly noisy world, our ears are continuously bombarded by sounds of varying intensities. From busy city streets to leisure activities such as concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud sound is ubiquitous. Nevertheless, sustained or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on auditory health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s crucial to use ear protection and, if possible, avoid overly loud settings in order to avoid damage. Whenever you can’t avoid very loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
Also, take regular breaks and moderate the volume when you’re using personal listening devices such as headphones and earpods.
If you observe any symptoms, act quickly
Perhaps the most critical aspect of preserving optimal hearing health is being attentive to the signals your ears give you and taking prompt action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will probably worsen the issue.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, trouble understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s important that you acknowledge it. Schedule an appointment with us right away if you encounter any of these symptoms. Your hearing results as well as your quality of life will be significantly increased by early detection and intervention.
Your ability to successfully navigate the landscape of your life is dependent on you keeping your hearing as healthy as you can. We can preserve our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, safeguarding our ears against loud noise, and identifying early warning symptoms.
Call us immediately for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.