Our ears are often what carry the load of accidental harm from neglect in our hectic day-to-day lives. From the allure of ear candling to the seemingly harmless act of utilizing cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these common yet dangerous practices. Below, we explore four important strategies to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears protected.
Ear candling is a no-no
Despite the complete lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of attempting to remove 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. This practice, however, has been proven in several studies to not only be ineffective, but also extremely risky.
You could be putting your hearing in jeopardy by employing a practice that won’t even remove any earwax. Burns to the delicate 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.
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) warn against using them.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
It’s true that many individuals turn to these apparently innocuous tools to clean earwax out of their ears. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal presents more dangers than benefits. Rather than effectively removing earwax, swabs can inadvertently pack wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction and possible injury.
The eardrum is sensitive and objects such as cotton swabs can cause significant damage. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can occur, creating pain, infection, and hearing loss. It would be better to obtain professional assistance 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: protect against loud noise
It’s a loud world we live in and our ears are constantly being assaulted by sounds of all different volume levels. Exposure to loud sound is unavoidable, 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 use ear protection and, if possible, avoid excessively loud settings in order to avoid damage. Whenever you can’t steer clear of extremely loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be used.
Additionally, when utilizing personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, retaining a moderate volume and taking regular breaks can help preserve hearing health.
Listen to your ears: act promptly on symptoms
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of sustaining optimal hearing health is being attentive to the signals your ears provide and taking quick action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you wait to get your hearing loss treated you will most likely worsen the issue.
It is essential to recognize common signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding speech, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. Schedule an appointment with us right away if you encounter any of these symptoms. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes and improve your quality of life.
Your ability to successfully navigate the landscape of your life is dependent on you keeping your hearing as healthy as you can. By embracing these four practices, 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.
If you think that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.