Our ears are frequently what carry the load of unintentional harm from neglect in our busy day-to-day lives. From the allure of ear candling to the apparently harmless act of utilizing cotton swabs, our auditory health can suffer from these prevalent yet perilous practices. What follows are a few practices you can use to help protect the health of your hearing.
Ear candling is a no-no
Ear candling, an ancient technique purported to remove earwax and promote ear health, has gained popularity in spite of lacking scientific merit. It’s believed that a vacuum is produced when a hollow ear candle is inserted into your ear canal and the wick at the other end is lit allegedly pulling impurities out. However, numerous studies have debunked this practice, emphasizing its ineffectiveness and potential risks.
You could be putting your hearing in peril by employing a practice that won’t even remove any earwax. The application of heat near the delicate structures of the ear can lead to burns, perforated eardrums, and even exacerbate existing problems. Moreover, the residue left behind after ear candling frequently is comprised of candle wax and debris rather than 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 options for ear hygiene.
Get rid of the cotton swabs
It’s true that lots of individuals turn to these apparently harmless tools to clean earwax out of their ears. But there are more dangers than benefits to inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal. Impaction and potential injury can be the outcome of using cotton swabs rather than actually cleaning out earwax.
The fragile nature of the eardrum makes it susceptible to damage from foreign objects, including cotton swabs. Pain, infection, and hearing impairment can all be the outcomes of perforations or abrasions of the eardrum. 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 systems or seek professional assistance if needed.
Keep volumes to a minimum
It’s a noisy world we live in and our ears are constantly being assaulted by noises of all different volumes. Exposure to loud sound is unavoidable, from going to sporting events and concerts to walking down busy city streets to mowing your lawn. Over-exposure to loud noises like these can have detrimental effects on your hearing health resulting in tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.
To mitigate the threat of hearing damage, it is essential to be mindful of noise levels and take proactive measures to protect your ears. This includes using ear protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, in loud environments and restricting exposure to loud sounds whenever you can.
Also, take frequent breaks and moderate the volume when you’re utilizing personal listening devices such as headphones and earpods.
If you observe any symptoms, act quickly
Taking fast action when your ears begin to tell you that you’re starting to encounter some level of hearing loss is essential to protect your ears from damage. If you hold off on getting your hearing loss treated you will most likely worsen the problem.
If you have symptoms like ringing in the ears, trouble understanding speech, or pain or pressure in your ears, it’s essential that you recognize it. If any of these symptoms are encountered, seek evaluation from a qualified hearing specialist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) promptly. Your hearing outcomes as well as your quality of life will be substantially enhanced by early detection and intervention.
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, safeguarding our ears against loud noise, and recognizing early warning signs.
If you think that you may be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, call us today for an appointment.
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