Our ears are often what carry the load of unintentional harm from neglect in our busy day-to-day lives. There are some common but hazardous practices, like using cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health at risk. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help protect the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
Ear candling, an ancient practice supposed to extract earwax and promote 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 idea that a vacuum is created, drawing out impurities. This practice, however, has been proven in a number of studies to not only be ineffective, but also rather risky.
You may be putting your hearing in jeopardy by using a practice that won’t even eliminate any earwax. Burns to the sensitive ear structures, perforated eardrums, and exacerbation of existing problems can all be consequences of this practice. Normally, if you notice any wax after ear candling, it will be from the candle itself rather than your ears.
In light of these findings, medical professionals always 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 alternatives for ear hygiene.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
It’s true that lots of individuals turn to these apparently harmless tools to clean earwax out of their ears. But there are more risks than benefits to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Rather than effectively removing earwax, swabs can inadvertently pack wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction and potential injury.
The eardrum is sensitive and objects such as cotton swabs can cause significant damage. Pain, infection, and hearing impairment can all be the results of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. It would be better to seek professional help if necessary or otherwise depend on your ear’s self-cleaning ability rather than putting any object in the ear.
Be mindful of the volume: safeguard against loud noise
It’s a noisy world we live in and our ears are continuously being assaulted by sounds of all different volume levels. Exposure to loud noise is inevitable, from going to sporting events and concerts to strolling down noisy city streets to mowing your lawn. Over-exposure to loud noises like these can have detrimental effects on your hearing health resulting in tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
It’s crucial to utilize hearing protection and, if possible, avoid very loud settings in order to avoid damage. This includes using ear protection, like earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy settings and limiting exposure to loud sounds whenever possible.
In addition, when utilizing personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, retaining a moderate volume and taking regular rests can help maintain hearing health.
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 critical to protect your ears from damage. In spite of the availability of advanced treatments, such as hearing aids, delaying intervention can exacerbate hearing loss and complicate management.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, difficulty understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s important that you acknowledge it. If any of these symptoms are experienced, seek evaluation from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) promptly. Early detection and intervention can substantially improve outcomes and improve your quality of life.
In conclusion, the health and well-being of our ears are vital in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. We can maintain our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, safeguarding our ears against loud noise, and recognizing early warning signs.
Call us today for an evaluation if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.