Our ears are often what carry the load of unintentional harm from neglect in our hectic daily lives. There are a few common but dangerous practices, like using cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health in peril. Below, we explore four important methods to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears healthy.
Ear candling is a no-no
Ear candling, an ancient technique 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 igniting the opposite end, with the idea that a vacuum is created, pulling out impurities. However, several studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
Not only does ear candling fail to clear away earwax effectively, but it also poses considerable risks. Burns to the delicate ear structures, perforated eardrums, and exacerbation 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 as opposed to extracted earwax.
In light of these findings, medical professionals always discourage the use of ear candling. There are safer ways to clean 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 appeal of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is undeniable, with many people turning to these seemingly innocuous tools for maintenance. But there are more dangers than benefits to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Impaction and potential injury can be the outcome of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The delicate nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the results of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. To prevent these complications, it is beneficial to refrain from inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead depend on the ear’s self-cleaning systems or seek professional help if necessary.
Be mindful of the volume: safeguard against loud noise
It’s a loud world we live in and our ears are constantly being assaulted by noises of all different volume levels. From busy city streets to recreational activities such as concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud noise is ubiquitous. However, sustained or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on hearing health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To mitigate the risk of hearing damage, it is critical to be mindful of noise levels and take active steps to safeguard your ears. Whenever you can’t avoid extremely 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 observe any symptoms, act promptly
Taking quick action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to encounter some degree of hearing loss is critical to protect your ears from harm. If you hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will most likely exacerbate the issue.
It’s crucial to recognize common signs of hearing impairment, such as trouble understanding speech, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. If any of these symptoms are experienced, seek assessment from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) immediately. Early diagnosis 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 preserve our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, safeguarding our ears against loud noise, and identifying early warning symptoms.
Call us today for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.
