Our ears are often what carry the load of accidental harm from neglect in our hectic daily lives. From the allure of ear candling to the apparently harmless act of utilizing cotton swabs, our hearing health can suffer from these prevalent yet perilous practices. 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 utter lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to eliminate earwax has recently gained some popularity. The process involves inserting a hollow candle inside of the ear canal and igniting the opposite end, with the notion that a vacuum is created, pulling out impurities. This practice, however, has been proven in several studies to not only be ineffective, but also very risky.
You might be putting your hearing in peril by employing a practice that won’t even remove any earwax. Burns to the sensitive ear structures, perforated eardrums, and exacerbation of existing problems can all be consequences of this practice. Moreover, 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 universally discourage 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 methods for ear hygiene.
No more cotton swabs
It’s true that many individuals turn to these apparently harmless tools to clean earwax out of their ears. But there are more dangers than benefits to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Rather than effectively removing earwax, swabs can inadvertently jam wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction and possible injury.
The delicate nature of the eardrum makes it vulnerable to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can happen, creating pain, infection, and hearing loss. It would be better to seek professional help if necessary or otherwise depend on your ear’s self-cleaning ability instead of putting any object in the ear.
Mind the volume: protect against loud noise
In a progressively noisy world, our ears are continuously inundated by sounds of varying intensities. Exposure to loud noise is unavoidable, from going to sporting events and concerts to strolling down noisy city streets to mowing your lawn. Over-exposure to loud noises like these can have detrimental effects on your hearing health leading to tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
It’s essential to use ear protection and, if you can, avoid excessively loud settings in order to avoid damage. This includes using hearing protection, like earmuffs or earplugs, in loud environments and limiting exposure to loud sounds whenever possible.
In addition, when utilizing personal audio devices, such as headphones or earbuds, retaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help maintain hearing health.
If you detect any symptoms, act quickly
Taking fast action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to experience some level of hearing loss is essential to protect your ears from damage. Despite the availability of advanced treatments, including hearing aids, delaying intervention can worsen hearing loss and complicate treatment.
It is imperative 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 experience any of these symptoms. Your hearing outcomes as well as your quality of life will be substantially enhanced by early detection and intervention.
In conclusion, the health and well-being of our ears are vital in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. By embracing 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.
If you suspect that you might be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.