Author: NOW Health
Image: shutterstock (illustration not party involved)
A few days ago, a man in his 30s accidentally ruptured his eardrum due to “earwax picking”, resulting in tinnitus. In fact, many people like to pick their ears with cotton swabs, especially after taking a bath to feel comfortable. However, such behavior may be a risk factor for tinnitus.
“Common causes of eardrum rupture are external trauma and the sequelae of acute otitis media.” Li Hongxin, a senior otolaryngologist, said that the human outer ear is very sensitive, and the deeper it is, the thinner the mucous membrane is. If you use a cotton swab to dig into the ear too hard, it may irritate. Injury to the mucous membrane causes pain and can easily cause an inflammatory reaction.
Dr. Li Hongxin further explained that if the eardrum is only damaged with a bloodshot crack in the middle, or a small hole, there is a chance that it will heal naturally in 1 to 2 weeks. However, once the rupture is severe and difficult to heal, surgical repair is required. However, after the eardrum is repaired, the pus will no longer flow, but the nerves will not recover. Whether it is trauma or inflammation, it will damage the nerves, which may leave tinnitus or hard of hearing sequelae.
Dr. Li Hongxin pointed out that clinically, tinnitus is most common in the elderly, or it may be caused by vascular stenosis caused by aging and other problems. It is worth noting that teenagers are prone to mental stress and over-excited autonomic nervous system. Tinnitus occurs; other infections, such as influenza or the new coronavirus, may also cause inflammation of the nerves in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus.
Regarding the treatment of tinnitus, Dr. Li Hongxin explained that it can usually be improved by taking medicines or injections to open up the blood vessels in the inner ear. At the same time, supplementing with vitamins B1 and B12 is helpful for nerve repair, regeneration and hearing recovery. Most cases will recover, but the time will vary from person to person, but it can be as quick as 1 to 3 months.
In the past, ear picking services were often provided in traditional barber shops, but this has become a thing of the past because it can easily cause infection and lead to ringworm on the skin. As for tinnitus caused by picking out the ears and piercing the eardrums, it is actually rare. However, Dr. Li Hongxin emphasized that people should still be careful when picking out the ears to avoid damaging the eardrums by poking too far inside. A special reminder is that some people’s earwax is “oily”. If you use an ear pick, it will easily push the earwax inwards, increasing the risk of eardrum damage. Therefore, we would like to remind you that if you feel that the amount of earwax has increased to the point where you feel stuffy and affects your hearing in daily life, you should go to an otolaryngology clinic to ask a professional doctor for help in cleaning. This is a safe and effective way.
Finally, Dr. Li Hongxin reminded the public that overwork, anxiety, stress, lack of sleep, high blood pressure, and aging can easily cause tinnitus. Therefore, they need to pay attention to life adjustments and physical and mental balance. Mild tinnitus may occur in some people after a short rest. It can be cured; in more severe cases, oral medication can be taken to prevent the tinnitus from getting louder. Due to the high work pressure of modern people and the advent of an aging society, tinnitus has become a common disease. People should take it seriously to avoid missing the golden treatment period and causing irreparable damage to hearing.
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(This article is reprinted with the permission of “NOW Health”, and the original text is published here)
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2024-01-29 08:39:41
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