In the hectic frenzy of day-to-day life, our ears frequently shoulder the burden of neglect and accidental harm. From the allure of ear candling to the seemingly harmless act of using cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these common yet perilous practices. Below, we delve into four important methods to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears protected.
Bid farewell to ear candling
Despite the complete lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to remove earwax has recently gained some popularity. The process involves inserting a hollow candle inside of the ear canal and igniting the opposite end, with the belief that a vacuum is created, pulling out impurities. This practice, however, has been proven in a number of studies to not only be ineffective, but also very risky.
Not only does ear candling fail to clear away earwax effectively, but it also poses significant hazards. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even exacerbate 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 warn against the use of ear candling. There are safer methods of cleaning your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) warn against using them.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
It’s true that lots of individuals turn to these seemingly 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 outcome of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The delicate nature of the eardrum makes it vulnerable to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can occur, leading to pain, infection, and hearing loss. To avoid these complications, it is advisable 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.
Mind the volume: protect against loud noise
It’s a noisy world we live in and our ears are constantly being assaulted by noises of all different volumes. Exposure to loud sound is unavoidable, from attending sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. However, sustained or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on auditory health, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To minimize the threat of hearing damage, it is essential to be conscious of sound levels and take active measures to protect your ears. Whenever you can’t steer clear of really loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
Also, take regular breaks and moderate the volume when you’re utilizing personal listening devices like headphones and earpods.
If you observe any symptoms, act promptly
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of maintaining optimal hearing health is being attentive to the signals your ears provide and taking quick action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will most likely exacerbate the problem.
It’s crucial 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 encountered, seek assessment from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) promptly. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve results and enhance your quality of life.
Your ability to successfully navigate the landscape of your life is dependent on you keeping your hearing as healthy as possible. By embracing 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 enhance our existence.
Call us today for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.
