Our ears are often what carry the load of accidental harm from neglect in our busy day-to-day lives. There are some common but hazardous practices, including making use of cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health at risk. Below, we explore four essential strategies to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears protected.
Bid farewell to ear candling
Despite the total 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 opposite end is lit supposedly pulling impurities out. However, numerous studies have debunked this practice, highlighting its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
You may be putting your hearing in peril by employing a practice that won’t even eliminate any earwax. Burns to the sensitive ear structures, perforated eardrums, and exacerbation of existing issues can all be consequences of this practice. Usually, if you see any wax after ear candling, it will be from the candle itself rather than your ears.
In light of these findings, medical experts always warn against the use of ear candling. There are safer methods of cleaning your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) warn against using them.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
The allure 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 benefits to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Impaction and potential injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The eardrum is delicate and objects such as cotton swabs can cause considerable damage. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the results of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. It would be better to seek professional help if necessary or otherwise rely on your ear’s self-cleaning ability instead of putting any object in the ear.
Mind the volume: protect against loud noise
It’s a noisy world we live in and our ears are constantly being assaulted by sounds of all different volume levels. From bustling city streets to recreational activities such as concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud sound is ubiquitous. Nonetheless, prolonged or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on hearing health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s essential to use ear protection and, if possible, avoid overly loud settings in order to prevent damage. Whenever you can’t steer clear of very loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be used.
Additionally, when using personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, retaining a moderate volume and taking regular rests can help maintain hearing health.
Listen to your ears: act promptly on symptoms
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. In spite of the availability of advanced treatments, such as hearing aids, holding off on 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. Schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible if you encounter any of these symptoms. Early detection and intervention can significantly 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 immediately for an evaluation if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.