In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our ears frequently bear the brunt of neglect and inadvertent harm. From the allure of ear candling to the apparently harmless act of utilizing cotton swabs, our hearing health can suffer from these prevalent yet hazardous practices. Below, we explore four important ways to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears protected.
Say good by to ear candling
Ear candling, an ancient practice supposed to draw out earwax and improve ear health, has gained popularity despite lacking scientific merit. The process involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and igniting the opposite end, with the notion that a vacuum is created, drawing out impurities. This practice, however, has been proven in a number of studies to not only be ineffective, but also extremely risky.
Not only does ear candling fail to eliminate earwax effectively, but it also poses significant risks. The application of heat near the delicate structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing problems. Furthermore, the residue left behind after ear candling often consists of candle wax and debris rather than 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 methods for ear hygiene.
No more 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 dangers than advantages to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Rather than effectively eliminating earwax, swabs can accidentally pack wax deeper into the ear canal, resulting in impaction and potential injury.
The delicate nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the outcomes of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. It would be better to obtain professional help if necessary or otherwise rely on your ear’s self-cleaning ability instead of putting any object in the ear.
Be mindful of the volume: safeguard against loud noise
In a progressively noisy world, our ears are constantly inundated by sounds of varying intensities. Exposure to loud sound is inevitable, from attending 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 measures to protect your ears. This includes wearing ear protection, including earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy environments and limiting exposure to loud noises whenever you can.
Additionally, when using personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, maintaining a moderate volume and taking regular rests can help preserve hearing health.
Listen to your ears: act quickly on symptoms
Perhaps the most essential aspect of preserving optimal hearing health is being attentive to the signals your ears give you and taking prompt action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will probably worsen the issue.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, difficulty understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s essential that you acknowledge it. If any of these symptoms are encountered, seek evaluation from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) promptly. Early detection and intervention can substantially improve outcomes and improve your quality of life.
Your ability to successfully navigate the landscape of your life depends on you keeping your hearing as healthy as possible. By embracing these four strategies, 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 enrich our existence.
Call us immediately for an evaluation if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.