Our ears are often what carry the load of unintentional harm from neglect in our hectic 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 hazardous practices. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help safeguard the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
Ear candling, an ancient practice purported to extract earwax and promote ear health, has gained popularity despite 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 pulling impurities out. This practice, however, has been proven in a number of studies to not only be ineffective, but also very risky.
Not only does ear candling fail to clear away earwax effectively, but it also poses considerable risks. The application of heat near the delicate structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing issues. Also, the residue left behind after ear candling frequently is comprised of candle wax and debris as opposed to extracted earwax.
In light of these findings, medical experts universally warn against the use of ear candling. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) warn against this practice, emphasizing safer methods for ear hygiene.
Banish the cotton swabs
The attraction of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is undeniable, with many people turning to these seemingly innocuous tools for maintenance. However, contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal presents more risks than advantages. Rather than effectively removing earwax, swabs can unintentionally jam wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction and potential injury.
The sensitive nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the results of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. It would be better to seek professional assistance if necessary or otherwise depend on your ear’s self-cleaning ability rather than putting any object in the ear.
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 volumes. Exposure to loud sound is unavoidable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Nevertheless, sustained or excessive exposure can have harmful effects on auditory health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To minimize the threat of hearing damage, it is essential to be mindful of sound levels and take active steps to protect your ears. Whenever you can’t avoid very loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be used.
Also, take frequent breaks and moderate the volume when you’re using personal listening devices such as headphones and earpods.
If you notice any symptoms, act quickly
Taking quick action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to experience some degree of hearing loss is crucial to protect your ears from damage. Despite the availability of advanced treatments, such as hearing aids, delaying intervention can worsen hearing loss and complicate management.
It’s imperative to recognize 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 right away if you encounter any of these symptoms. Your hearing outcomes as well as your quality of life will be substantially enhanced by early detection and intervention.
Your ability to effectively navigate the landscape of your life depends on you keeping your hearing as healthy as possible. 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 cherish the symphony of sounds that enrich our existence.
If you think that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.
