In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, our ears frequently shoulder the burden of neglect and accidental 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 perilous practices. Below, we explore four essential methods to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears protected.
Say good by to ear candling
Ear candling, an ancient technique purported to extract earwax and promote ear health, has gained popularity in spite of lacking scientific merit. It’s believed that a vacuum is produced when a hollow ear candle is inserted into your ear canal and the wick at the other end is lit supposedly pulling impurities out. However, several studies have debunked this practice, emphasizing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
Not only does ear candling fail to clear away earwax effectively, but it also poses substantial risks. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even exacerbate existing problems. Furthermore, the residue left behind after ear candling frequently consists of candle wax and debris as opposed to 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 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. Rather than effectively eliminating earwax, swabs can inadvertently push wax deeper into the ear canal, resulting in impaction and potential injury.
The delicate nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Injuries, such as perforations or abrasions can occur, leading to pain, infection, and hearing loss. To prevent these complications, it is advisable to refrain from inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead rely on the ear’s self-cleaning mechanisms or seek professional assistance if necessary.
Keep volumes to a minimum
In an increasingly noisy world, our ears are constantly bombarded by sounds of varying volumes. Exposure to loud sound is unavoidable, from attending sporting events and concerts to strolling down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Over-exposure to loud sounds like these can have negative effects on your hearing health resulting in tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
It’s essential to utilize ear protection and, if possible, avoid excessively loud settings in order to prevent damage. This includes using hearing protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy environments and limiting exposure to loud noises whenever possible.
In addition, when utilizing personal audio devices, such as headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help maintain hearing health.
If you observe any symptoms, act promptly
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of preserving optimal hearing health is being alert to the signals your ears give you and taking quick action in response to any concerning symptoms. Despite the availability of advanced treatments, such as hearing aids, delaying intervention can worsen hearing loss and complicate management.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, trouble understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s essential 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) promptly. Your hearing outcomes as well as your quality of life will be substantially 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. We can preserve our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, protecting our ears against loud noise, and identifying early warning signs.
Call us today for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.