In the hectic frenzy of day-to-day life, our ears often bear the brunt of neglect and inadvertent harm. From the allure of ear candling to the apparently harmless act of utilizing cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these prevalent yet dangerous practices. What follows are a few strategies you can use to help safeguard the health of your hearing.
Bid farewell to ear candling
Ear candling, an ancient practice supposed to remove 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 other end is lit allegedly drawing impurities out. This practice, however, has been proven in a number of studies to not only be ineffective, but also very risky.
You could be putting your hearing in peril by employing a practice that won’t even eliminate any earwax. Burns to the delicate ear structures, perforated eardrums, and aggravation of existing problems can all be consequences of this practice. Moreover, the residue left behind after ear candling often 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) caution against this practice, emphasizing safer options for ear hygiene.
No more cotton swabs
The allure of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is unquestionable, with many people turning to these seemingly harmless tools for maintenance. However, contrary to public opinion, inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal poses more risks than advantages. Impaction and possible injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The delicate nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the outcomes of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. To prevent these complications, it is advisable to steer clear of inserting any objects into the ear canal and instead rely on the ear’s self-cleaning systems or seek professional assistance if needed.
Mind the volume: protect against loud noise
In a progressively noisy world, our ears are constantly inundated by sounds of differing volumes. Exposure to loud sound is inevitable, from attending sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Nonetheless, prolonged or excessive exposure can have harmful effects on auditory health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
To minimize the risk of hearing damage, it is essential to be aware of noise levels and take active measures to protect your ears. This includes wearing ear protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy environments and limiting exposure to loud noises whenever you can.
Also, take regular breaks and moderate the volume when you’re utilizing personal listening devices such as headphones and earpods.
If you observe any symptoms, act promptly
Taking quick action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to encounter some degree of hearing loss is critical to protect your ears from damage. In spite of the availability of advanced treatments, such as hearing aids, holding off on intervention can exacerbate hearing loss and complicate management.
It’s imperative to identify common signs of hearing loss, such as trouble understanding speech, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. If any of these symptoms are encountered, seek assessment from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) immediately. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve results and enhance your quality of life.
In conclusion, the health and well-being of our ears are paramount in navigating the sensory landscape of our lives. 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 enjoy the symphony of sounds that enhance our existence.
Call us today for an evaluation if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.
