Latest news with #hearinghealth
CNET
3 days ago
- Health
- CNET
You Shouldn't Be Using Q-Tips in Your Ears. Here's How to Clean Your Ears the Right Way
Earwax is just a fact of life. We need it to protect the inner ear and lubricate the ear canal, though honestly, excess earwax can be annoying. Not only can it make it difficult to hear what's going on around you, but no one wants to find earwax on their earbuds. Cleaning your ears regularly is a part of personal hygiene, and how you do it can have a big impact on how clean your ears are. And you definitely don't want to get it wrong if you value your hearing. Many health care professionals advise against using Q-tips to clean the inner ear, as this can push wax farther in and cause injury. Here's why self-cleaning is often preferable and how to do it safely when needed. The truth about Q-tips The cotton swab, better known as the Q-tip, is the most common device used for cleaning your ears. Its shortcomings illustrate the basic problems with using these types of instruments for earwax removal. Thanks to their long, narrow shape, Q-tips are more likely to push earwax into your ear than pulling it out. When you attempt to use one to clean your ear canal, you risk simply compacting the earwax and creating a blockage that makes it harder to hear. Worse still, if you push a Q-tip too hard or too far into your ear canal, you may actually puncture your ear drum. The ear canal is only about an inch (2.5 centimeters) deep, so there's not a lot of margin for error. One ear, nose and throat specialist CNET previously spoke with has even treated patients who seriously damaged their eardrums by answering the phone with a Q-tip sticking out of one of their ears. That's a phone call that can truly ruin your day! In general, it's best to use cotton swabs -- or even just a tissue or damp, clean rag -- to clean the outer portion of your ear, outside the canal. ronstik/Getty Images Ear cleaning 101 As gross as we may think it is, earwax is actually essential to your ear health. According to Harvard Medical School, not only does it lubricate your ear canal and protect your eardrum, it also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It naturally protects against harmful buildup, gathering dead skin cells and dirt as it gradually moves toward your outer ear on its own. In other words, earwax makes your ears naturally self-cleaning. In most cases, you don't need to dig into your ear canals or do anything to clean them out -- they'll do the job on their own. That said, some people produce more earwax than others, and this can cause excessive buildup leading to discomfort or hearing trouble. Hearing aid wearers, in particular, can suffer from excessive earwax buildup due to the extra vibrations in their ears. Whatever the cause, if earwax is getting to you, it's important to see a doctor and assess the best course of treatment. If your doctor gives the thumbs-up, there are a few DIY ear-cleaning methods that can be done safely and effectively: Wipe with a damp washcloth : This is the safest and best method of all. You can't really get inside your ear canal with your finger, and gently rubbing around the outside of it with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to clear out any earwax buildup. : This is the safest and best method of all. You can't really get inside your ear canal with your finger, and gently rubbing around the outside of it with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to clear out any earwax buildup. Rinse your ear canal: If you think you may have some earwax stubbornly lodged in your ear canal, you can often rinse it out, per Harvard Medical School. Soak a cotton ball in warm water, a saline solution, mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide, then hold it over your ear canal and tilt your opposite ear toward the floor. After you let it drip in and soak into the wax for a minute or so, tilt your head the other way and let the softened wax drip out. If you think you may have some earwax stubbornly lodged in your ear canal, you can often rinse it out, per Harvard Medical School. Soak a cotton ball in warm water, a saline solution, mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide, then hold it over your ear canal and tilt your opposite ear toward the floor. After you let it drip in and soak into the wax for a minute or so, tilt your head the other way and let the softened wax drip out. Try over-the-counter ear drops: These drops serve much the same function of "ear irrigation" as the above method but may also come with a dropper or bulb syringe. Doctors recommend avoiding the syringe if you have damaged your eardrum, as this can let water into the middle ear and put you at risk of serious not to use to clean your ears Although the above methods of earwax removal can be done safely, there are some popular tools and techniques you should avoid. These may be popular on social media, but that doesn't mean they're safe for your ears. Ear candling : Ear-candling kits, which have grown in popularity in recent years, claim to soften the wax and draw it out by lighting a flame on a long funnel that you place in your ear canal. According to Consumer Reports, this method is highly dubious among doctors. The Food and Drug Administration has long recommended against using ear candles due to the risk of burns, punctures and more. : Ear-candling kits, which have grown in popularity in recent years, claim to soften the wax and draw it out by lighting a flame on a long funnel that you place in your ear canal. According to Consumer Reports, this method is highly dubious among doctors. The Food and Drug Administration has long recommended against using ear candles due to the risk of burns, punctures and more. Ear-cleaning kits that can go deep into the ear : Some kits offer tiny spade-like or drill-shaped tools that promise to pull wax out of your ear canal. However, doctors urge caution with these types of instruments. Some of them can go dangerously deep into your canal, while others are sharp enough to cut your ear canal. : Some kits offer tiny spade-like or drill-shaped tools that promise to pull wax out of your ear canal. However, doctors urge caution with these types of instruments. Some of them can go dangerously deep into your canal, while others are sharp enough to cut your ear canal. Any sharp objects: As noted above, it's best to avoid anything sharp, whether it's a store-bought tool or a bobby pins. Cuts can cause bleeding and scabbing, which can obstruct your hearing and expose you to infection. Who shouldn't clean their ears at home? Those with diabetes or who rely on blood thinners should be especially cautious about cleaning their ears. These conditions make it more difficult to stop bleeding, and that's particularly problematic if you get tiny cuts inside your ear from cleaning it too roughly. Those aren't the only people who should think twice before digging into their ears, though. In most cases, it's best to leave ear-canal cleaning to the professionals. They have better tools and a better view and can help you remove earwax safely.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Starkey MEA champions elderly hearing health as part of UAE's preventive care drive
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Starkey MEA FZCO has reaffirmed its commitment to improving hearing health among the UAE's aging population, calling for greater integration of hearing care into national public health strategies. The move comes amid growing evidence linking untreated hearing loss to cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation in older adults. Starkey's efforts are closely aligned with the UAE's National Policy for Senior Emiratis and Dubai's Elderly Happiness Strategy. The National Policy, launched in 2018, aims to ensure that senior Emiratis remain active, healthy, and socially integrated through targeted programs and support services. Meanwhile, Dubai's Elderly Happiness Strategy—part of the broader Dubai Happiness Agenda—seeks to enhance the overall well-being and happiness of older residents through tailored initiatives. Speaking ahead of the company's upcoming regional hearing awareness campaign, Giscard Bechara, Regional Director of Starkey MEA FZCO, said: 'Hearing loss is one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated conditions in the UAE's elderly population. Yet it is also one of the most manageable—if diagnosed early and addressed with the right technology and professional care' Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing loss, and nearly one-third of adults over the age of 65 are affected. In the UAE, the demographic shift is particularly striking. According to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the proportion of senior citizens is projected to rise from 6% to 29% by 2050, driven by rising life expectancy and improved healthcare access. Starkey's upcoming campaign during the second half of the year will focus on early detection, awareness building, and accessibility. Through screening campaigns along with its partners, and partnerships with elder care facilities, the company aims to reach senior citizens in the country. 'Good hearing is not just about communication. It's about safety, mental health, and dignity,' Bechara emphasized. 'Our devices today don't just amplify sound—they connect users to their environment, monitor their well-being, and support them in living independent lives. The technology also helps the family to monitor their loved ones and detect how much they are using the hearing aids daily' Recent studies, including those published by The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention (2020), have highlighted hearing loss as a major modifiable risk factor for dementia. Early treatment with hearing aids has been shown to reduce cognitive decline by up to 48%, according to a 2023 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). 'Public-private collaboration is the only way we can scale impact,' added Bechara. 'We share the UAE's vision of a society where aging is not associated with decline, but with dignity, independence, happiness and connection. Families in the UAE are very close to each other, by making sure that the elderly are getting the best hearing care, you are automatically keeping engaged with their loved ones '. About Starkey Laboratories Inc. Starkey is a privately owned, global leader in hearing innovation, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. As the only American-owned provider of advanced hearing technologies, Starkey is known for pioneering digital hearing solutions that combine cutting-edge AI, health tracking, and personalized care. With more than 5,000 employees across 29 global facilities, Starkey serves over 100 markets worldwide. The company is dedicated to transforming lives through better hearing, offering a full ecosystem of hearing aids, software, and connected health services.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Envoy Medical Draws Final $5 Million From GAT Funding
Envoy Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ:COCH) is among the . Envoy Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ:COCH) has disclosed that it has tapped into the remaining $5 million of principal available under its promissory note with GAT Funding, LLC, which is under the control of Glen Taylor, who happens to be a part of the company's board of directors. As the conditions of the additional draw, Envoy Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ:COCH) issued GAT Funding a warrant to acquire 750,000 shares of its Class A Common Stock, with an exercise price of $1.48 per share. This price is the same as the closing price of the stock on the date of the draw. A medical laboratory technician using the latest equipment and technology preparing a sample for testing. The shares associated with these warrants were issued via a private transaction based on exemptions from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 506 of Regulation D. In other news, Envoy Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ:COCH) has secured two new U.S. patents for its implantable hearing technology. There's a good reason to believe that the company has a long way to go. Envoy Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ:COCH) is a Minnesota-based hearing health company that offers medical technologies across the hearing loss spectrum. Founded in 1995, the company is committed to transforming the hearing industry. While we acknowledge the potential of COCH as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the . While we acknowledge the potential of COCH to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than COCH and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
14-07-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Audiologists Spotlight Why Ears Keep Popping: New Guidance on Causes, Risks, and When to Seek Help
Persistent ear popping may signal more than a change in air pressure. Ask An Audiologist contributor Dr. D'Anne Rudden is shedding light on what recurring symptoms could mean and when it's time to seek help. For anyone wondering, ' Why does my ear keep popping? ' Audiologists say it might be more than cabin pressure or a seasonal cold. When that sensation shows up regularly, especially with discomfort, pain, or hearing changes, it can indicate an underlying issue that shouldn't be ignored. Ask An Audiologist, a national platform focused on hearing health, recently published new guidance explaining the causes of chronic ear popping and what to do when symptoms persist. Contributor Dr. D'Anne Rudden, a board-certified audiologist based in Longmont, Colorado, notes that many people delay treatment for symptoms that are often manageable. 'A lot of people ask, 'Why does my ear keep popping when I swallow?' or 'Why does my left ear keep popping but not the right?' These aren't always harmless quirks,' said Dr. Rudden. 'Sometimes they're early signs of Eustachian tube dysfunction, fluid buildup, or even TMJ-related pressure.' The Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose, help equalize pressure. When they don't function properly, it can lead to repeated popping, fullness, or a need to constantly swallow or yawn to clear the ear. While occasional popping is normal during altitude changes, consistent symptoms may point to: 'When someone tells me, 'Why does my ear keep popping and hurting?' we look for pressure imbalances, infections, or structural issues,' said Rudden. 'The good news is, these problems are usually treatable.' The Ask An Audiologist team encourages people to pay attention to patterns. If one ear always feels plugged, or the sensation is paired with dizziness or muffled hearing, that's a sign it's time to get checked. Unexplained fluid or discomfort that doesn't go away after a few days may also indicate the need for evaluation. Some techniques may provide short-term relief. Swallowing, yawning, or gently exhaling with the nose pinched can sometimes help restore balance. Nasal sprays or decongestants may ease sinus pressure. For symptoms tied to jaw tension, jaw stretches or a nighttime bite guard can reduce nearby pressure. Still, audiologists stress that persistent symptoms shouldn't be treated with guesswork. A licensed specialist can determine whether the issue is minor, such as wax buildup, or more complex, such as chronic inflammation or dysfunction in the middle ear. 'If it's been a week and you're still asking, 'Why does my ear hurt and keep popping?,' that's your cue,' said Rudden. 'You don't have to live with discomfort or uncertainty.' According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, more than 11 million Americans report symptoms tied to chronic ear pressure, popping, or fullness every year, yet many never seek care. Ask An Audiologist hopes to close that gap by offering expert-reviewed guidance and connecting people with trusted local professionals. Read the full guide: About Ask An Audiologist Ask An Audiologist is a nationwide collective of practicing audiologists committed to sharing accurate, no-nonsense information on hearing health. From hearing loss and tinnitus to hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive listening tools, the platform exists to cut through confusion and deliver insights from the people who treat hearing loss every day, not those who manufacture the solutions. Unlike manufacturers, researchers, or influencers, these professionals spend their days fitting real people with real devices and listening closely to what works, what doesn't, and what often gets misunderstood. Because they serve patients directly, not shareholders or grant committees, their advice is grounded in outcomes, not marketing spin. All contributors are Doctors of Audiology, the only professionals specifically trained to assess, diagnose, and treat hearing loss as the uniquely individual condition it is. Whether it's wax causing the issue or how the brain is processing sound, Ask An Audiologist helps patients get trusted answers from the experts who actually do the work. Media Contact Company Name: Ask An Audiologist Email: Send Email Address: 429 E Dupont Road #126 City: Fort Wayne State: Indiana 46825 Country: United States Website:
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Audifort Drops: Unlock Natural Hearing Support and Echofree Tinnitus Enhance Health Naturally
Audifort Drops, the all-natural solution for better hearing health. Improve sound clarity, protect your ears, and support optimal auditory function with this safe and effective supplement. Available in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. Audifort Miami, FL, July 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --Audifort Drops: Revolutionizing Hearing Health with Natural Ingredients Audifort Drops is proud to announce the official launch of ; an innovative and natural solution designed to improve hearing health and enhance auditory function. With an increasing number of individuals seeking natural alternatives to traditional hearing aids and treatments, Audifort Drops offers a groundbreaking option that supports ear health with carefully selected, natural ingredients. This new product is aimed at those who wish to maintain their hearing health, reduce the risk of age-related hearing loss, and improve sound clarity in a safe and effective way. Audifort Drops are designed for individuals who want to protect their ears from damage caused by environmental factors, aging, and lifestyle choices, all without resorting to invasive procedures or expensive hearing devices. Experience the Difference in Hearing Health – Try Audifort Drops Today! What Are Audifort Drops? Audifort Drops are a specialized, natural supplement that supports hearing health by utilizing a combination of potent herbs, vitamins, and minerals. The formula was created to target the root causes of hearing loss, with ingredients that work together to support optimal auditory function and maintain the health of the inner ear. These drops are simple to use and can be easily incorporated into a daily wellness routine. Whether you're looking to maintain your hearing or improve your existing auditory function, Audifort Drops offer a safe, effective, and non-invasive solution. Key Benefits of Audifort Drops: Natural Hearing Support: The carefully selected ingredients in Audifort Drops work to enhance hearing health by addressing the underlying causes of hearing deterioration. Enhances Sound Perception: Improves the ability to hear sounds more clearly, providing support for individuals experiencing mild hearing loss. Protects Against Damage: Provides antioxidant protection to safeguard the delicate structures of the ear and auditory nerves from oxidative stress, pollution, and environmental factors. Supports Auditory Nerve Health: Promotes healthy nerve function, which is crucial for the transmission of sound signals to the brain. Non-Invasive and Safe: Unlike hearing aids or invasive procedures, Audifort Drops offer a gentle and natural solution with no side effects. Convenient and Easy to Use: The liquid formula is simple to use, making it an excellent option for daily consumption. The Science Behind Audifort Drops The formulation of Audifort Drops is rooted in cutting-edge scientific research on hearing health. Each ingredient has been meticulously chosen based on its well-documented benefits for auditory function. Among the key ingredients are: Herbal Extracts: Ingredients like Ginkgo Biloba are known for their ability to boost circulation in the ears, increasing blood flow to the inner ear and enhancing auditory function. Vitamins & Minerals: Essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and Magnesium are included to promote healthy nerve function and protect against damage caused by nutrient deficiencies. Natural Antioxidants: Powerful antioxidants help protect the ear's sensitive structures from oxidative stress, which can lead to age-related hearing decline. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Natural compounds found in the formula may help reduce inflammation, further supporting overall ear health. These ingredients work synergistically to provide comprehensive support for hearing health, making Audifort Drops one of the most advanced natural supplements for ear health on the market today. Why Choose Audifort Drops? Audifort Drops Hearing Solution stand out from other hearing supplements because they are made with entirely natural ingredients, which provide genuine, sustainable benefits without causing harmful side effects. Many individuals struggle with hearing loss due to various factors such as aging, noise exposure, and lifestyle choices. Audifort Drops provide an effective solution that focuses on prevention and support rather than relying on devices or invasive methods. The non-invasive nature of the drops ensures that users can maintain their hearing health in a safe and affordable manner. Furthermore, the easy-to-use liquid form ensures that taking the supplement is simple and convenient, allowing individuals to easily incorporate it into their daily routine without the need for pills or complicated dosage schedules. Available Now for Purchase Audifort Drops are now available for purchase directly from the official website. Early buyers can take advantage of exclusive offers, including discounted prices and special bundle deals. With a satisfaction guarantee and a money-back policy, customers can confidently try Audifort Drops risk-free and experience the potential benefits for their hearing health. Give Your Hearing the Care It Deserves – Explore Audifort Drops! About Audifort Audifort is a leading health and wellness brand dedicated to providing high-quality, scientifically-formulated supplements designed to improve the well-being of individuals. The company's focus is on developing safe, natural solutions that target various health concerns, with a particular emphasis on hearing health. Through rigorous research and dedication to quality, Audifort strives to create effective products that make a positive impact on the lives of its customers. Contact Information: For media inquiries or further information, please contact:DaveMarketing TeamAudifortEmail: contact@ 1-800-123-4567Website: Address:382 NE 191st St PMP 82029 Miami, FL, 33179 Attachment Audifort CONTACT: Contact Information: For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Dave Marketing Team Audifort Email: contact@ Phone: 1-800-123-4567 Website: Address:382 NE 191st St PMP 82029 Miami, FL, 33179Sign in to access your portfolio
