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 hearing health can suffer from these common yet perilous practices. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help protect the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
Despite the total lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of attempting to clear away earwax has recently achieved some popularity. 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 theoretically drawing impurities out. However, numerous studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
You could be putting your hearing in jeopardy by employing a practice that won’t even eliminate any earwax. The application of heat near the delicate structures of the ear can result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even exacerbate existing issues. Normally, 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 professionals universally discourage 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 people turn to these apparently innocuous tools to clean earwax out of their ears. However, contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more dangers than advantages. Instead of effectively eliminating earwax, swabs can accidentally jam wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction and possible injury.
The eardrum is sensitive and objects such as cotton swabs can cause substantial damage. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can happen, creating pain, infection, and hearing impairment. It would be better to obtain professional assistance if necessary or otherwise rely on your ear’s self-cleaning ability instead of putting any object in the ear.
Keep volumes to a minimum
In a progressively noisy world, our ears are constantly inundated by sounds of differing intensities. From bustling city streets to recreational activities such as concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud noise is unavoidable. Over-exposure to loud sounds like these can have negative effects on your hearing health leading to tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
It’s essential to utilize hearing protection and, if possible, avoid excessively loud settings in order to avoid damage. This includes using hearing protection, including earmuffs or earplugs, in loud settings and limiting exposure to loud sounds whenever you can.
Also, take frequent breaks and moderate the volume when you’re utilizing personal listening devices such as headphones and earpods.
Listen to your ears: act promptly on symptoms
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of preserving optimal hearing health is being alert to the signals your ears provide and taking quick action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will most likely worsen the issue.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, trouble understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s important that you recognize it. If any of these symptoms are experienced, seek evaluation from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) promptly. 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 embracing 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.
Call us immediately for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.