Our ears are often what carry the load of unintentional harm from neglect in our busy day-to-day lives. There are some common but hazardous practices, like making use of 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.
Ear candling is a no-no
In spite of the total lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to remove earwax has recently achieved some popularity. The process involves inserting a hollow candle inside of the ear canal and lighting the opposite end, with the idea that a vacuum is created, pulling out impurities. This practice, however, has been proven in several studies to not only be ineffective, but also extremely risky.
Not only does ear candling fail to clear away earwax effectively, but it also poses considerable risks. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing issues. Furthermore, the residue left behind after ear candling often is comprised of candle wax and debris as opposed to extracted earwax.
In light of these findings, medical experts always discourage the use of ear candling. There are safer methods of cleaning your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) advise against using them.
Banish 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 risks than benefits. Impaction and potential injury can be the outcome of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The eardrum is delicate and objects like cotton swabs can cause significant damage. Pain, infection, and hearing impairment can all be the results 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: protect against loud noise
In an increasingly noisy world, our ears are continuously bombarded by sounds of varying volumes. Exposure to loud noise is unavoidable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. However, prolonged or excessive exposure can have harmful effects on hearing health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s essential to utilize hearing protection and, if you can, avoid excessively loud settings in order to prevent damage. This includes using ear protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy settings and limiting exposure to loud sounds whenever you can.
Also, take frequent breaks and moderate the volume when you’re using personal listening devices such as headphones and earpods.
If you observe any symptoms, act quickly
Perhaps the most essential aspect of sustaining 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 most likely 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 recognize it. If any of these symptoms are encountered, seek assessment from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) immediately. Early diagnosis and intervention can substantially improve results 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. We can preserve our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, safeguarding our ears against loud noise, and recognizing early warning symptoms.
Call us today for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.