Our ears are often what carry the load of accidental 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 common yet dangerous practices. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help safeguard the health of your hearing.
Say good by to ear candling
Ear candling, an ancient technique purported to draw out earwax and improve ear health, has gained popularity despite lacking scientific merit. The process involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and lighting 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 extremely risky.
Not only does ear candling fail to eliminate earwax efficiently, but it also poses significant hazards. Burns to the sensitive ear structures, perforated eardrums, and exacerbation of existing issues can all be consequences of this practice. Moreover, the residue left behind after ear candling often is comprised of candle wax and debris as opposed to extracted earwax.
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) advise against using them.
Banish the cotton swabs
The allure of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is unquestionable, with many people turning to these apparently harmless tools for maintenance. However, contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more dangers than advantages. 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 vulnerable to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing impairment can all be the outcomes of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. To prevent these complications, it is advisable to steer clear of inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead depend on the ear’s self-cleaning mechanisms or seek professional assistance if needed.
Keep volumes to a minimum
In a progressively noisy world, our ears are constantly bombarded by sounds of differing intensities. Exposure to loud sound is inevitable, from attending sporting events and concerts to strolling down noisy city streets to mowing your lawn. Over-exposure to loud noises like these can have negative effects on your hearing health resulting in tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
To minimize the threat of hearing damage, it is critical to be mindful of sound levels and take active steps to safeguard your ears. This includes wearing ear protection, like earmuffs or earplugs, in loud environments and restricting exposure to loud sounds whenever you can.
Additionally, when utilizing personal audio devices, such as headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help maintain hearing health.
Listen to your ears: act quickly on symptoms
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of sustaining optimal hearing health is being alert to the signals your ears give you and taking prompt action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will most likely exacerbate the problem.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, difficulty understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s essential that you acknowledge it. Make an appointment with us as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms. Your hearing results as well as your quality of life will be significantly enhanced by early detection and intervention.
In conclusion, the health and well-being of our ears are vital in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. By embracing these four practices, 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.
Call us immediately for an evaluation if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.
