In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our ears frequently shoulder the burden of neglect and inadvertent harm. From the allure of ear candling to the apparently harmless act of using cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these common yet dangerous practices. What follows are a few practices you can use to help protect the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
Ear candling, an ancient practice purported to remove earwax and improve ear health, has gained popularity in spite of lacking scientific merit. The process involves inserting a hollow candle inside of the ear canal and lighting the opposite end, with the idea that a vacuum is created, pulling out impurities. However, several studies have debunked this practice, highlighting its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
Not only does ear candling fail to eliminate earwax effectively, but it also poses significant risks. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing problems. Furthermore, the residue left behind after ear candling frequently consists of candle wax and debris rather than extracted earwax.
Medical professionals always warn against ear candling because of these findings. There are safer methods of cleaning your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) advise against using them.
Banish the cotton swabs
The appeal of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is unquestionable, with many individuals turning to these seemingly harmless tools for maintenance. However, contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal presents more dangers than advantages. Rather than effectively eliminating earwax, swabs can unintentionally pack wax deeper into the ear canal, resulting in impaction and potential injury.
The fragile nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the outcomes of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. To avoid these complications, it is advisable to refrain from inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead depend upon the ear’s self-cleaning systems 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 noises of all different volume levels. Exposure to loud noise is unavoidable, from attending sporting events and concerts to strolling down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Nonetheless, sustained or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on auditory health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s crucial to utilize hearing protection and, if possible, avoid excessively loud settings in order to prevent damage. This includes using hearing protection, including earmuffs or earplugs, in loud environments and limiting exposure to loud sounds whenever possible.
Additionally, when using personal audio devices, such as headphones or earbuds, retaining a moderate volume and taking regular rests can help preserve hearing health.
If you detect any symptoms, act promptly
Perhaps the most essential aspect of sustaining optimal hearing health is being attentive to the signals your ears provide and taking prompt action in response to any concerning symptoms. In spite of the availability of advanced treatments, such as hearing aids, delaying intervention can exacerbate hearing loss and complicate treatment.
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 assessment from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) immediately. Your hearing outcomes as well as your quality of life will be significantly increased 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 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 enrich our existence.
If you think that you might be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.
