In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, our ears often bear the brunt of neglect and inadvertent harm. There are a few common but hazardous practices, like using cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health at risk. Below, we delve into four important ways to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears protected.
Say good by to ear candling
Despite the total lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to eliminate earwax has recently achieved some popularity. The process involves inserting a hollow candle inside of the ear canal and lighting the opposite end, with the belief that a vacuum is created, drawing out impurities. However, several studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
Not only does ear candling fail to remove earwax efficiently, but it also poses substantial hazards. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even exacerbate existing problems. Also, the residue left behind after ear candling frequently is comprised of candle wax and debris rather than extracted earwax.
Medical professionals always warn against ear candling because of these findings. There are safer methods of cleaning your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) advise against using them.
No more cotton swabs
It’s true that lots of people turn to these seemingly innocuous tools to clean earwax out of their ears. However, contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal presents more risks than advantages. Impaction and possible injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The delicate nature of the eardrum makes it vulnerable 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 seek professional help if necessary or otherwise rely on your ear’s self-cleaning ability instead of putting any object in the ear.
Mind the volume: protect against loud noise
It’s a noisy 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 sound is unavoidable. However, prolonged or excessive exposure can have harmful effects on auditory health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s crucial to use ear protection and, if possible, avoid excessively loud settings in order to prevent damage. Whenever you can’t steer clear of extremely loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
Additionally, when using personal audio devices, such as headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help preserve hearing health.
If you observe any symptoms, act quickly
Perhaps the most essential aspect of sustaining optimal hearing health is being alert to the signals your ears provide and taking quick action in response to any concerning symptoms. Despite the availability of advanced treatments, including hearing aids, holding off on intervention can worsen hearing loss and complicate management.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, difficulty understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s important that you acknowledge it. If any of these symptoms are experienced, seek assessment from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) promptly. Your hearing results as well as your quality of life will be significantly 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 cherish the symphony of sounds that enhance our existence.
Call us immediately for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.