In the hectic frenzy of everyday life, our ears frequently bear the brunt of neglect and accidental harm. From the allure of ear candling to the apparently harmless act of utilizing cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these common yet perilous practices. Below, we explore four important methods to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears healthy.
Say good by to ear candling
Ear candling, an ancient technique supposed to extract earwax and promote ear health, has gained popularity despite lacking scientific merit. It’s believed that a vacuum is produced when a hollow ear candle is inserted into your ear canal and the wick at the opposite end is lit allegedly drawing impurities out. This practice, however, has been proven in a number of studies to not only be ineffective, but also very risky.
You may be putting your hearing in jeopardy by employing a practice that won’t even eliminate any earwax. Burns to the delicate ear structures, perforated eardrums, and exacerbation of existing issues can all be consequences of this practice. Usually, if you see any wax after ear candling, it will be from the candle itself rather than your ears.
In light of these findings, medical experts universally warn against 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.
Banish the cotton swabs
It’s true that many individuals turn to these apparently innocuous tools to clean earwax out of their ears. But there are more risks than benefits to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Impaction and potential injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The eardrum is sensitive and objects such as cotton swabs can cause substantial damage. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can happen, leading to pain, infection, and hearing impairment. It would be better to obtain professional assistance if necessary or otherwise depend on your ear’s self-cleaning ability rather than 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 sounds of all different volumes. Exposure to loud noise is unavoidable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Over-exposure to loud sounds like these can have detrimental effects on your hearing health resulting in tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
It’s essential to utilize hearing protection and, if possible, avoid overly loud settings in order to prevent damage. Whenever you can’t avoid really loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be used.
In addition, when using personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, retaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help preserve hearing health.
If you notice any symptoms, act promptly
Taking fast action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to encounter some level of hearing loss is essential to protect your ears from harm. Despite the availability of advanced treatments, such as hearing aids, delaying intervention can worsen hearing loss and complicate treatment.
It is essential to identify common signs of hearing loss, such as trouble understanding speech, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. If any of these symptoms are experienced, seek assessment from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) immediately. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve results and improve your quality of life.
In conclusion, the health and well-being of our ears are paramount in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. By adopting these four strategies, avoiding ear candling and cotton swabs, protecting against loud noise, and understanding early warning signs, we can maintain our precious sense of hearing and enjoy the symphony of sounds that enrich our existence.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.