In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, our ears frequently bear the brunt of neglect and accidental harm. There are some common but hazardous practices, like making use of cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health in peril. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help protect 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 achieved some popularity. The process involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and igniting the opposite end, with the idea 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 eliminate earwax effectively, 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 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 universally discourage 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 options for ear hygiene.
No more cotton swabs
The allure of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is unquestionable, with many individuals turning to these apparently innocuous tools for maintenance. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more dangers than benefits. Impaction and possible injury can be the outcome of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The fragile 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. To avoid 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 necessary.
Keep volumes to a minimum
In an increasingly noisy world, our ears are continuously inundated by sounds of differing intensities. From bustling city streets to leisure activities such as concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud sound is ubiquitous. Over-exposure to loud noises like these can have detrimental effects on your hearing health leading to tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
To minimize the threat of hearing damage, it is critical to be aware of sound levels and take proactive steps to safeguard your ears. Whenever you can’t steer clear of really loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be used.
Additionally, when utilizing personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular rests can help preserve hearing health.
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 prompt action in response to any concerning symptoms. Despite the availability of advanced treatments, including hearing aids, delaying 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. 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 increased by early detection and intervention.
Your ability to effectively navigate the landscape of your life is dependent on you keeping your hearing as healthy as possible. We can maintain our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, protecting our ears against loud noise, and identifying early warning signs.
Call us immediately for an evaluation if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.