Our ears are frequently what carry the load of accidental harm from neglect in our busy day-to-day lives. There are a few common but hazardous practices, including utilizing cotton swabs and ear candling, that will put your hearing health in peril. Below, we explore four essential methods to safeguard your sense of hearing and keep your ears healthy.
Say good by to ear candling
In spite of the complete lack of scientific merit, the ancient practice of trying to clear away earwax has recently achieved some popularity. The process involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and igniting the opposite end, with the idea that a vacuum is created, drawing out impurities. However, numerous studies have debunked this practice, showcasing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
You could be putting your hearing in jeopardy by using a practice that won’t even remove any earwax. The application of heat near the sensitive structures of the ear can result in burns, perforated eardrums, and even aggravate existing problems. Normally, if you notice any wax after ear candling, it will be from the candle itself rather than your ears.
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) warn against using them.
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 risks than benefits to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Impaction and possible injury can be the outcome of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The fragile nature of the eardrum makes it vulnerable to damage from outside objects, including cotton swabs. Injuries, like perforations or abrasions can occur, creating pain, infection, and hearing impairment. It would be better to obtain professional assistance if necessary or otherwise rely on your ear’s self-cleaning ability instead of putting any object in the ear.
Keep volumes to a minimum
It’s a noisy world we live in and our ears are continuously being assaulted by sounds of all different volumes. Exposure to loud noise is inevitable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Nonetheless, sustained or excessive exposure can have detrimental effects on auditory health, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus.
It’s crucial to use hearing protection and, if possible, avoid overly loud settings in order to avoid damage. This includes using ear protection, like earmuffs or earplugs, in noisy environments and restricting exposure to loud sounds whenever possible.
Additionally, when using personal audio devices, like headphones or earbuds, retaining a moderate volume and taking regular rests can help maintain hearing health.
If you detect any symptoms, act quickly
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of sustaining optimal hearing health is being alert 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 most likely exacerbate 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. Schedule an appointment with us right away if you encounter any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention can substantially improve results and improve your quality of life.
Your ability to effectively 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 identifying early warning symptoms.
Call us immediately for an evaluation if you are suffering from ear damage or hearing loss.