In the hectic frenzy of everyday life, our ears often bear the brunt of neglect and accidental harm. From the allure of ear candling to the seemingly harmless act of utilizing cotton swabs, our hearing health can suffer from these prevalent yet dangerous practices. Below, we delve into four essential ways to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears healthy.
Ear candling is a no-no
Ear candling, an ancient technique supposed to draw out earwax and promote ear health, has gained popularity in spite of 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 other end is lit theoretically drawing impurities out. This practice, however, has been proven in several studies to not only be ineffective, but also very risky.
You might be putting your hearing in peril by employing a practice that won’t even remove any earwax. Burns to the delicate ear structures, perforated eardrums, and aggravation of existing problems can all be consequences of this practice. Moreover, the residue left behind after ear candling frequently consists of candle wax and debris as opposed to extracted earwax.
In light of these findings, medical experts always discourage 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) advise against using them.
No more cotton swabs
The allure of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is unquestionable, with many people turning to these apparently harmless tools for maintenance. But there are more dangers 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 sensitive nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can occur, resulting in pain, infection, and hearing loss. It would be better to obtain professional assistance if necessary or otherwise rely on your ear’s self-cleaning ability rather than putting any object in the ear.
Be mindful of the volume: safeguard against loud noise
It’s a loud world we live in and our ears are continuously being assaulted by noises of all different volume levels. From busy city streets to leisure activities such as concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud sound is unavoidable. Nonetheless, prolonged or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on auditory health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To mitigate the risk of hearing damage, it is essential to be conscious of noise levels and take active steps to protect your ears. This includes using hearing protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy settings and limiting exposure to loud noises whenever you can.
Also, take frequent breaks and moderate the volume when you’re using personal listening devices like headphones and earpods.
Listen to your ears: act promptly on symptoms
Perhaps the most essential aspect of preserving optimal hearing health is being attentive to the signals your ears provide and taking prompt action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will most likely worsen the problem.
It is crucial to identify common signs of hearing impairment, such as difficulty understanding speech, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. Make an appointment with us as soon as possible if you encounter any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention can substantially 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 preserve our precious sense of hearing and cherish the symphony of sounds that enhance our existence.
Call us immediately for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.