Our ears are frequently what carry the load of unintentional harm from neglect in our hectic day-to-day lives. There are a few common but dangerous practices, including making use of cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health at risk. 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 practice purported to remove earwax and improve ear health, has gained popularity despite lacking scientific merit. It’s believed that a vacuum is created when a hollow ear candle is inserted into your ear canal and the wick at the opposite end is lit supposedly drawing impurities out. This practice, however, has been proven in a number of studies to not only be ineffective, but also rather risky.
Not only does ear candling fail to clear away earwax efficiently, but it also poses substantial risks. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can lead to 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) warn 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. But there are more risks than advantages to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. 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 susceptible to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can occur, leading to pain, infection, and hearing loss. To prevent these complications, it is beneficial to refrain from inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead depend on the ear’s self-cleaning mechanisms or seek professional help if needed.
Mind the volume: safeguard against loud noise
In an increasingly noisy world, our ears are constantly inundated by sounds of varying volumes. From busy city streets to recreational activities such as concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud noise 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 mitigate the threat of hearing damage, it is critical to be mindful of noise levels and take active steps to safeguard your ears. Whenever you can’t steer clear of very loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be used.
Also, take frequent breaks and moderate the volume when you’re using personal listening devices like headphones and earpods.
If you detect any symptoms, act quickly
Taking fast action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to encounter some level of hearing loss is crucial to protect your ears from damage. In spite of 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 essential that you acknowledge it. Make an appointment with us right away if you experience any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention can substantially improve outcomes 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 practices, 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 enrich our existence.
Call us today for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.