6.04.2020

Hear the Myths

With the Internet everywhere, accessing information is easier than ever. However, this does not mean that the information is absolutely correct. This feeling is particularly relevant when it comes to health counseling. You might read that carrots help improve eyesight; In fact, it was war propaganda to disguise radar technology.
Given the daily information frenzy, it can be difficult to determine what really is.

Clean your ears

Earwax is not inherently bad. In fact, it has several advantages! It can be used to keep insects out of the ear canal, and studies have shown that it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Of course, too much good can cause problems. The affected ear wax (ie it fills the entire canal) can lead to hearing problems and complaints. In reality, however, there is no risk of affected wax for most people. The skin of the ear canal grows outwards and carries an excess of wax with it. However, people with rigid or curved channels or those that naturally produce a large amount of wax may find that it begins to build up. What are the options for someone in the last category?

The possibilities are the Q tips that come to mind. Who doesn't like rubbing their ear canals after a good shower? However, Q-Tips pose a certain risk. First, the wax can be accidentally pressed further into the channel. Even more worrying is that the Q tip can be inserted too deep and cause pain or damage. If use cannot be resisted, keep tip Q close to the end and only clean the outside of the channel.

Another common home remedy is an ear candle. Theoretically, a hollow candle is inserted into the ear canal and the opposite end is lit, creating pressure that removes dirt. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of the ear mirage. Exactly the opposite is the case. The literature shows that the mirage of the ear has at best a neutral effect and can actually hold certain risks. Burns, infections and even candle wax and ash deposits have been reported in the canal.

The best way to avoid deposits is to keep the wax moist. If the wax is dry and hard, it will not come out of the channel easily. Debrox is the name of the popular and safe OTC drops for cleaning the ears. Mineral oil is another reliable and natural preventive measure. Olive oil should be avoided as it is too thick.

Of course, medical professionals can also remove wax. Audiologists have regular appointments every few months to clean patients' ears.

Treat tinnitus

Tinnitus is a condition in which a person hears a sound even though there is no external stimulus to produce that sound. It may sound like ringtones or cicadas, although it is different for everyone. No cure for tinnitus is known at this time. Unfortunately, there are many drugs that are sold as treatments. Most tend to contain a supplement called Ginkgo Balboa. So far, no study has shown that ginkgo balboa or any other supplement has an effect on tinnitus. These drugs are not inherently dangerous, but any benefit perceived is likely to be a placebo effect.

Although tinnitus cannot yet be cured, there are daily strategies that can help control gravity. First, stress should be minimized as much as possible. Studies show that tinnitus is more likely to be severe or distracting in people with more stress. Nutrition has also been shown to matter. Caffeine, salt, sugar, alcohol, and nicotine play the biggest role in the development of tinnitus, but certain foods can affect certain people. Reducing the intake of any of the above means may bring some relief. Another strategy, while not always easy, is to not focus on tinnitus. If you focus on noise, it creates stress that can make the noise worse.

Many people find that background noise such as television or a device with white noise can help mask the sound they hear in their ears. If someone needs constant noise, the headphones can play custom masking sounds. In addition, the literature shows that the simple use of hearing aids can bring significant relief to many people. Please note that counseling options are also available for more severe cases.

If you are not sure whether the information is correct, contact your hearing care professional. Extensive training and further education ensure that your knowledge remains up to date. Accurate information is the best tool to stay healthy. NBF

By Jeff Lane, Au. RE.

Dr. Jeff Lane is an audiologist at the Trinity Hearing Center at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit the website at TrinityHearing.net. Dr. Lane is passionate about improving the lives of others and can be contacted at 928-522-0500 or audio@trinityhearing.net.

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