Our ears are often what carry the load of accidental harm from neglect in our busy daily lives. There are a few 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 important methods to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears healthy.
Say good by to ear candling
Ear candling, an ancient technique supposed to draw out earwax and improve ear health, has gained popularity despite 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 theoretically pulling impurities out. However, several studies have debunked this practice, emphasizing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
You may be putting your hearing in jeopardy by using a practice that won’t even eliminate any earwax. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing problems. Normally, 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 warn against the use of ear candling. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) caution against this practice, emphasizing safer alternatives for ear hygiene.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
It’s true that many people turn to these apparently innocuous tools to clean earwax out of their ears. 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 fragile 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 impairment. To avoid these complications, it is beneficial to refrain from inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead depend upon the ear’s self-cleaning mechanisms or seek professional assistance if necessary.
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. Exposure to loud sound is unavoidable, from attending sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Over-exposure to loud noises like these can have negative effects on your hearing health leading to tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
It’s crucial to utilize ear protection and, if you can, avoid very loud settings in order to avoid damage. This includes using ear protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, in loud settings and limiting exposure to loud sounds whenever possible.
Also, take regular breaks and moderate the volume when you’re utilizing personal listening devices like headphones and earpods.
If you observe any symptoms, act quickly
Taking fast action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to experience some level of hearing loss is essential to protect your ears from harm. If you hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will most likely worsen the problem.
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. If any of these symptoms are experienced, seek evaluation from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) promptly. Your hearing results as well as your quality of life will be significantly increased by early detection and intervention.
Your ability to effectively navigate the landscape of your life depends on you keeping your hearing as healthy as you can. We can preserve our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, protecting our ears against loud noise, and identifying early warning symptoms.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.