Our ears are frequently what carry the load of accidental harm from neglect in our hectic day-to-day lives. From the allure of ear candling to the apparently harmless act of utilizing cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these common yet hazardous practices. What follows are a few practices you can use to help protect the health of your hearing.
Bid farewell to ear candling
Despite the complete lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to clear away earwax has recently gained 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 other end is lit allegedly drawing impurities out. This practice, however, has been proven in a number of studies to not only be ineffective, but also very risky.
You may be putting your hearing in peril by using a practice that won’t even eliminate any earwax. Burns to the delicate ear structures, perforated eardrums, and aggravation 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 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.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
The attraction of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is indisputable, with many individuals turning to these apparently innocuous tools for maintenance. But there are more risks than advantages to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Impaction and possible injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The eardrum is sensitive and objects like cotton swabs can cause substantial damage. Injuries, such as perforations or abrasions can happen, creating pain, infection, and hearing impairment. It would be better to obtain professional help if necessary or otherwise rely 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 sounds of all different volume levels. From busy city streets to recreational activities such as concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud noise is ubiquitous. Over-exposure to loud noises like these can have detrimental effects on your hearing health resulting in tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
To decrease the risk of hearing damage, it is essential to be aware of noise levels and take proactive steps to protect your ears. Whenever you can’t steer clear of very loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
Also, take regular breaks and moderate the volume when you’re utilizing personal listening devices such as headphones and earpods.
If you notice any symptoms, act promptly
Perhaps the most critical aspect of preserving optimal hearing health is being alert to the signals your ears provide and taking quick action in response to any concerning symptoms. In spite of the availability of advanced treatments, including hearing aids, holding off on intervention can worsen hearing loss and complicate treatment.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, difficulty understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s important that you recognize it. If any of these symptoms are encountered, seek assessment from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) promptly. 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 paramount in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. By embracing 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 immediately for an evaluation if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.