Our ears are often what carry the load of accidental harm from neglect in our hectic day-to-day lives. There are a few common but dangerous practices, including utilizing cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health in peril. Below, we delve into four essential methods to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears protected.
Say good by to ear candling
Ear candling, an ancient technique purported to extract earwax and promote ear health, has gained popularity in spite of 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. However, several studies have debunked this practice, highlighting its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
Not only does ear candling fail to clear away earwax effectively, but it also poses substantial risks. The application of heat near the delicate 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.
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.
No more cotton swabs
It’s true that lots of people turn to these apparently harmless tools to clean earwax out of their ears. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more risks than advantages. Impaction and potential injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The eardrum is delicate and objects like cotton swabs can cause significant damage. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can occur, creating 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 mechanisms or seek professional assistance if necessary.
Keep volumes to a minimum
In an increasingly noisy world, our ears are constantly bombarded by sounds of differing volumes. Exposure to loud sound is inevitable, from going to sporting events and concerts to strolling down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. However, prolonged or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on auditory health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To minimize the threat of hearing damage, it is critical to be conscious of sound levels and take proactive measures to protect your ears. Whenever you can’t steer clear of very loud noise, protection like earplugs and earmuffs should be utilized.
Also, take regular breaks and moderate the volume when you’re utilizing personal listening devices like headphones and earpods.
If you detect any symptoms, act quickly
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of sustaining optimal hearing health is being attentive to the signals your ears give you and taking quick action in response to any concerning symptoms. In spite of the availability of advanced treatments, including hearing aids, holding off on intervention can exacerbate hearing loss and complicate treatment.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, trouble understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s important that you recognize it. If any of these symptoms are experienced, seek evaluation from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) promptly. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve results and improve your quality of life.
In conclusion, the health and well-being of our ears are vital in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. We can preserve our healthy hearing by avoiding cotton swabs and ear candles, protecting our ears against loud noise, and identifying early warning signs.
Call us today for an evaluation if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.