Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
01 November 2024 |18:00 CAT

Protect your ears: Audiologist warns against risky habits with earbuds and everyday items.

Our ears are an essential part of our daily lives, connecting us to the world in ways often taken for granted. However, many overlook the potential risks to ear health from seemingly harmless habits. Audiologist Fatima Ismail recently shared insights with Radio Islam International on the dos and don’ts of ear care, emphasising common practices like using earbuds, inserting foreign objects, and prolonged use of earphones.

According to Ismail, inserting objects into the ear, even routine items like earbuds or the end of a pen, can lead to serious damage. “The ear is a confined space, and the tympanic membrane, or eardrum, is delicate. Perforating this membrane can lead to infections, hearing loss, and lasting consequences,” Ismail warns. She advocates a preventative approach, stating that “nothing should be going into the ear.”

One frequent cause of ear infections is swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, which occurs when bacteria thrive in trapped moisture within the ear canal. “It’s not just swimming that poses a risk; even showering can lead to infections if water becomes trapped,” she adds, highlighting the importance of ensuring the ear canal is dry.

The rise of modern ear devices like noise-cancelling headphones and in-ear earbuds has also raised new health concerns. Prolonged use of these gadgets can interfere with the ear’s self-cleaning process, leading to wax buildup and providing a gateway for bacteria. “Many people don’t clean their earbuds regularly, and bacteria from the uncleaned devices can flourish once inside the ear canal,” explains Ismail—her advice: clean earbuds daily with an alcohol swab to minimize bacterial risks.

Ismail stresses the importance of volume control when using ear devices, promoting the “60-60 rule,” which limits volume to 60% of the device’s maximum capacity. She cautions that noise-induced hearing loss, particularly from loud volumes, is irreversible: “Damage from blasting music directly into the ears is long-term.”

For those wearing ear devices all day, Ismail suggests opting for over-ear headphones, which reduce the risk of bacterial contamination and allow for better ear health management. Her final reminder encourages responsible use: “We may live in an age of modern gadgets, but their responsible use is essential to preserve our ear health.”

Listen here to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Audiologist Fatima Ismail.