In the hectic frenzy of everyday life, our ears frequently bear the brunt of neglect and accidental harm. From the allure of ear candling to the seemingly harmless act of utilizing cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these common yet perilous practices. Below, we delve into four essential methods to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears healthy.
Bid farewell to ear candling
In spite of the utter lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to eliminate earwax has recently achieved some popularity. The process involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and igniting the opposite end, with the notion that a vacuum is created, pulling out impurities. However, several studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
You could be putting your hearing in peril by employing a practice that won’t even eliminate any earwax. The application of heat near the delicate structures of the ear can result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing problems. Moreover, the residue left behind after ear candling frequently consists of candle wax and debris as opposed to extracted earwax.
Medical professionals always warn against ear candling because of these findings. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) warn against this practice, emphasizing safer alternatives for ear hygiene.
Banish the cotton swabs
The appeal of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is indisputable, with many individuals turning to these seemingly harmless tools for maintenance. However, contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal presents more dangers than advantages. Rather than effectively eliminating earwax, swabs can unintentionally push wax deeper into the ear canal, resulting in impaction and potential injury.
The delicate nature of the eardrum makes it vulnerable to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Injuries, such as perforations or abrasions can happen, leading to pain, infection, and hearing loss. 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 systems or seek professional help if needed.
Keep volumes to a minimum
In an increasingly noisy world, our ears are constantly bombarded by sounds of differing volumes. Exposure to loud noise is inevitable, from going to sporting events and concerts to strolling 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.
To minimize the risk of hearing damage, it is critical to be aware of noise levels and take active steps to protect your ears. This includes using ear protection, including earmuffs or earplugs, in loud settings and limiting exposure to loud noises whenever possible.
Also, take frequent breaks and moderate the volume when you’re using personal listening devices such as headphones and earpods.
Listen to your ears: act quickly on symptoms
Taking fast action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to experience some level of hearing loss is crucial to protect your ears from harm. If you hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will most likely worsen the problem.
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. Make an appointment with us right away if you experience any of these symptoms. Your hearing outcomes as well as your quality of life will be substantially increased by early detection and intervention.
Your ability to effectively navigate the landscape of your life is dependent on you keeping your hearing as healthy as possible. By adopting 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 cherish the symphony of sounds that enhance our existence.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.