Our ears are often what carry the load of accidental harm from neglect in our busy daily lives. From the allure of ear candling to the apparently harmless act of using cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these common yet hazardous practices. What follows are a few practices you can use to help safeguard the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
Ear candling, an ancient technique purported to extract earwax and improve ear health, has gained popularity in spite of lacking scientific merit. The process involves inserting a hollow candle inside of the ear canal and lighting the opposite end, with the idea that a vacuum is created, pulling out impurities. However, several studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
You could 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 result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing problems. Usually, 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 experts always 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 options for ear hygiene.
No more cotton swabs
It’s true that lots of people turn to these apparently innocuous tools to clean earwax out of their ears. However, contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more dangers than advantages. Impaction and potential injury can be the outcome of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The fragile nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the results of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. 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.
Mind the volume: safeguard against loud noise
It’s a loud world we live in and our ears are continuously being assaulted by noises of all different volume levels. Exposure to loud sound is inevitable, from attending sporting events and concerts to strolling down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Nevertheless, prolonged or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on hearing health, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s essential to use ear protection and, if possible, avoid excessively loud settings in order to avoid damage. This includes using ear protection, like earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy environments and limiting exposure to loud sounds whenever possible.
Additionally, when using personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, retaining a moderate volume and taking regular rests can help maintain hearing health.
If you detect any symptoms, act quickly
Taking quick action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to encounter some degree of hearing loss is crucial to protect your ears from damage. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will probably 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. Make an appointment with us right away if you encounter any of these symptoms. Your hearing outcomes as well as your quality of life will be substantially enhanced by early detection and intervention.
Your ability to effectively navigate the landscape of your life depends on you keeping your hearing as healthy as possible. We can preserve our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, protecting our ears against loud noise, and recognizing early warning symptoms.
If you suspect that you might be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.
