4 Bad Habits That Could Be Harming Your Ears and Hearing Health

Your ears are vital to your overall health and quality of life. Hearing loss can diminish your ability to engage in social interactions, enjoy entertainment, and even maintain intimate relationships.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about ear care, leading many to unknowingly damage their ears. Whether it’s cleaning your ears improperly, neglecting regular hearing tests, or exposing yourself to harmful noise levels, certain habits can significantly impact your hearing health.

Here are four common habits that could put your hearing ability at risk.

Using a Cotton Swab to Clean the Inside of Your Ear

We all know the sensation of having a piece of earwax stuck in our ear. While it might seem harmless, using a cotton swab to clean your ears can do more harm than good. Earwax actually serves an important purpose—it’s a natural cleanser that traps dust and bacteria, protecting your inner ear but when it becomes too hard, the wax can become trapped, causing pressure on the eardrums.

The natural response is to begin twiddling a cotton swab around your ear canal. However, this is actually precisely the wrong thing to do. Cotton swabs are too soft, causing the wax to be pushed further into the ear canal. It also can poke your eardrum, causing pain and possibly an injury.

Instead, consider using safer alternatives like a baby wipe or a Q-tip soaked in ear wax remover. For persistent issues, seek guidance from a hearing professional to prevent unnecessary injury or hearing loss.

Listening to Loud Music for Long Periods

Playing music through headphones, speakers, or other listening devices is a great way to pass the time. However, listening to loud music for extended periods can seriously damage your hearing.

A study conducted in 2009 shows that listening to loud music for long periods can cause you to lose up to 30 percent of your hearing. The louder the music, the more potential damage it can cause. Since the effects are not immediate, you may not realize the harm until it’s too late.

To safeguard your hearing, avoid high volumes and choose headphones that limit noise exposure. Additionally, take regular breaks to give your ears a rest and consider using noise-cancelling headphones, which allow you to enjoy your favorite tunes without cranking up the volume.

Skipping Annual Ear Checkups

One of the biggest mistakes people make is skipping the annual ear checkup. In fact, nearly 50 percent of people in a study mentioned earlier had never had their ears examined.

Regular ear checkups are essential because they can detect hearing issues early. Early detection helps to limit the damage, and often it can be prevented altogether. By visiting an audiologist every year, you ensure that any potential hearing problems are caught and managed before they worsen.

Remember, early detection can be the key to maintaining healthy hearing for life.

Ear Candling

Ear candling is an alternative treatment that involves placing a hollow candle in the ear. A match is then lit and held close to the candle. The flame releases a vacuum and draws out all of the unwanted fluids and wax in your ear. While this might sound like a natural solution, it poses significant risks, such as burns or ear canal blockages.

Scientific studies have proven that ear candling is ineffective and does not remove earwax. Instead, you’re exposing your ears to unnecessary danger. To safely remove earwax, stick to reliable methods like ear wax removers or consult a hearing specialist.

Your Path to Better Hearing

Many everyday actions and behaviours can put your hearing at risk but by adopting healthy ear care habits, you can safeguard your ability to enjoy conversations, music, and life’s sounds for many years to come. If you experience any signs of hearing loss, consulting with an ear specialist is crucial.

At Horizon Hearing Centres, we offer personalized hearing care and solutions to suit every need and budget. Founded by Kevin and Scott Greig, two brothers who are provincially licensed Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialists (BC-HIS), we are one of the only clinics in Winnipeg that offer trade-ins on old hearing instruments, which we donate annually to charities.

We use the latest equipment to properly fit clients with the best hearing aid around their budget. If you’re looking for an enhanced hearing centre in Winnipeg, we’ve got you covered!

Get in touch with us today to discover how we can help you hear better!