Our ears are often what carry the load of accidental harm from neglect in our busy daily lives. From the allure of ear candling to the apparently harmless act of using cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these common yet perilous practices. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help safeguard the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
In spite of the complete lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of attempting to remove 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 allegedly drawing impurities out. However, numerous studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
You may be putting your hearing in peril by employing a practice that won’t even remove any earwax. Burns to the sensitive ear structures, perforated eardrums, and exacerbation of existing issues can all be consequences of this practice. Furthermore, the residue left behind after ear candling often is comprised of candle wax and debris as opposed to extracted earwax.
In light of these findings, medical professionals universally 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.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
It’s true that many people turn to these seemingly harmless tools to clean earwax out of their ears. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal presents more dangers than benefits. Impaction and potential injury can be the outcome of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The eardrum is delicate and objects such as cotton swabs can cause substantial damage. Injuries, such as perforations or abrasions can happen, resulting in pain, infection, and hearing loss. To avoid these complications, it is beneficial to steer clear of inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead depend upon the ear’s self-cleaning mechanisms or seek professional assistance if needed.
Keep volumes to a minimum
In an increasingly noisy world, our ears are constantly bombarded by sounds of differing intensities. Exposure to loud sound is unavoidable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down noisy city streets to mowing your lawn. However, prolonged or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on hearing health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s essential to utilize hearing protection and, if you can, avoid very loud settings in order to avoid damage. Whenever you can’t steer clear of extremely loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
In addition, when utilizing personal audio devices, such as headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help preserve hearing health.
Listen to your ears: act quickly on symptoms
Perhaps the most essential aspect of sustaining optimal hearing health is being attentive 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 exacerbate the issue.
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 as soon as possible if you encounter any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes and enhance your quality of life.
In conclusion, the health and well-being of our ears are vital in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. By adopting 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 enjoy the symphony of sounds that enhance our existence.
Call us today for an evaluation if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.