Our ears are frequently what carry the load of unintentional harm from neglect in our hectic day-to-day lives. From the allure of ear candling to the seemingly harmless act of utilizing cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these prevalent yet perilous practices. Below, we delve into four essential methods to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears healthy.
Ear candling is a no-no
Despite the complete lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of attempting to remove earwax has recently gained some popularity. The process involves inserting a hollow candle inside of the ear canal and lighting the opposite end, with the notion that a vacuum is created, pulling 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 significant risks. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even exacerbate existing problems. Furthermore, 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. There are safer ways to clean your ears than cotton swabs and the FDA and the Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) advise against using them.
Banish the cotton swabs
The attraction of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is indisputable, with many people turning to these seemingly innocuous tools for maintenance. But there are more dangers than advantages to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Impaction and potential injury can be the result of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The eardrum is sensitive and objects like cotton swabs can cause substantial damage. Pain, infection, and hearing loss can all be the outcomes of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. It would be better to seek professional help if necessary or otherwise depend on your ear’s self-cleaning ability rather than putting any object in the ear.
Keep volumes to a minimum
In a progressively noisy world, our ears are continuously bombarded by sounds of varying volumes. From bustling city streets to leisure activities like concerts and sporting events, exposure to loud noise is unavoidable. Nonetheless, prolonged or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on auditory health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s crucial to utilize hearing protection and, if possible, avoid excessively loud settings in order to avoid damage. This includes wearing hearing protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy environments and restricting exposure to loud sounds whenever you can.
Additionally, when utilizing personal audio devices, such as 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 sustaining optimal hearing health is being attentive to the signals your ears give you and taking quick action in response to any concerning symptoms. If you wait to get 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 important that you recognize it. Make an appointment with us right away if you experience any of these symptoms. Early detection and intervention can substantially improve results and improve 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 embracing these four strategies, avoiding ear candling and cotton swabs, protecting against loud noise, and understanding early warning signs, we can maintain our precious sense of hearing and enjoy the symphony of sounds that enhance our existence.
Call us immediately for an assessment if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.