In the hectic frenzy of everyday life, our ears often shoulder the burden 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 in peril. Below, we delve into four essential methods to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears protected.
Ear candling is a no-no
Ear candling, an ancient technique supposed to remove 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 other end is lit supposedly pulling impurities out. However, numerous studies have debunked this practice, highlighting its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
You may 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 exacerbate existing problems. Furthermore, the residue left behind after ear candling often 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 ways to clean your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) advise against using them.
Banish the cotton swabs
The attraction of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is undeniable, with many people turning to these apparently innocuous tools for maintenance. However, contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more risks than benefits. Impaction and possible injury can be the outcome of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The sensitive nature of the eardrum makes it vulnerable to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the outcomes 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 on the ear’s self-cleaning mechanisms or seek professional assistance if necessary.
Be mindful of the volume: protect against loud noise
It’s a loud world we live in and our ears are constantly being assaulted by sounds of all different volumes. Exposure to loud sound is inevitable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down busy 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 possible, avoid overly loud settings in order to avoid damage. Whenever you can’t steer clear of really loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
In addition, when using personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help maintain hearing health.
If you observe any symptoms, act quickly
Taking quick action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to experience some level of hearing loss is crucial to protect your ears from damage. In spite of the availability of advanced treatments, such as hearing aids, delaying intervention can exacerbate 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 essential that you recognize it. Schedule an appointment with us right away if you encounter any of these symptoms. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes and improve your quality of life.
Your ability to effectively navigate the landscape of your life depends on you keeping your hearing as healthy as you can. We can maintain our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, safeguarding our ears against loud noise, and recognizing early warning symptoms.
Call us immediately for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.
