In the hectic frenzy of day-to-day life, our ears frequently bear the brunt of neglect and inadvertent harm. 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 practices you can use to help safeguard the health of your hearing.
Bid farewell to ear candling
Ear candling, an ancient practice supposed to draw out earwax and improve ear health, has gained popularity in spite of lacking scientific merit. 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 drawing impurities out. This practice, however, has been proven in a number of studies to not only be ineffective, but also very risky.
Not only does ear candling fail to remove earwax efficiently, but it also poses considerable risks. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing issues. 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 universally 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.
No more cotton swabs
It’s true that lots of people turn to these seemingly harmless tools to clean earwax out of their ears. But there are more dangers than advantages to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Impaction and possible injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The sensitive nature of the eardrum makes it vulnerable to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing impairment can all be the outcomes 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 rather than putting any object in the ear.
Keep volumes to a minimum
It’s a loud world we live in and our ears are constantly being assaulted by sounds of all different volumes. From busy city streets to leisure activities such as concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud noise is unavoidable. Over-exposure to loud sounds like these can have negative effects on your hearing health resulting in tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
To minimize the risk of hearing damage, it is essential to be mindful of sound levels and take proactive measures to protect your ears. Whenever you can’t avoid really loud noise, protection such as earplugs and earmuffs should be used.
In addition, when using personal audio devices, such as headphones or earbuds, retaining a moderate volume and taking regular rests can help preserve hearing health.
If you observe any symptoms, act promptly
Taking quick action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to experience some level of hearing loss is critical to protect your ears from harm. If you hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will probably worsen the issue.
It’s crucial to identify common signs of hearing loss, such as trouble 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 experience any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve results and enhance your quality of life.
In conclusion, the health and well-being of our ears are paramount in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. By embracing these four practices, avoiding ear candling and cotton swabs, protecting against loud noise, and understanding early warning signs, we can maintain our precious sense of hearing and cherish the symphony of sounds that enhance our existence.
If you think that you might be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.