Our ears are frequently what carry the load of unintentional harm from neglect in our busy day-to-day lives. From the allure of ear candling to the seemingly harmless act of using cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these prevalent yet perilous practices. Below, we explore four important strategies to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears protected.
Say good by to ear candling
In spite of the complete lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to clear away earwax has recently achieved some popularity. The process involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and igniting the opposite end, with the notion that a vacuum is created, drawing out impurities. This practice, however, has been proven in several studies to not only be ineffective, but also rather risky.
Not only does ear candling fail to eliminate earwax efficiently, but it also poses substantial hazards. The application of heat near the delicate 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.
Medical professionals always warn against ear candling because of these findings. There are safer ways to clean your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) warn against using them.
No more cotton swabs
The attraction of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is indisputable, with many individuals 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 fragile nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Injuries, such as perforations or abrasions can occur, creating pain, infection, and hearing loss. To prevent these complications, it is advisable to refrain from inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead rely on the ear’s self-cleaning mechanisms or seek professional assistance if necessary.
Keep volumes to a minimum
It’s a loud world we live in and our ears are continuously being assaulted by sounds 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. Over-exposure to loud noises like these can have detrimental effects on your hearing health leading to tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
It’s essential to use hearing protection and, if possible, avoid very loud settings in order to prevent damage. Whenever you can’t avoid extremely loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
Additionally, when utilizing personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular rests can help preserve hearing health.
If you notice any symptoms, act promptly
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of preserving 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 probably exacerbate the issue.
It is imperative to identify common signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding speech, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. Schedule an appointment with us right away if you encounter any of these symptoms. Your hearing outcomes as well as your quality of life will be substantially increased by early detection and intervention.
Your ability to effectively navigate the landscape of your life depends on you keeping your hearing as healthy as you can. By adopting 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 enhance our existence.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.