Ear health products promote hearing wellness. These nutrients and practices often stem from time-honored botanical sources that are popular for their:
- Aid in maintaining optimal hearing.**
- Encouragement of blood flow to the ears.**
- Support of clear & clean ear canals.**
What is Ear Health?
The essential components of the auditory system, ears are the organs that register sound and also aid in maintaining balance. The readily visible part of the ear, called the auricle or pinna, directs sound to the ear canal and then the eardrum, which turns sound waves into vibrations. Inside the eardrum's membrane is the air-filled middle ear, which leads to the inner ear and its cochlea, the spiral-like cavity that receives the vibrations. The tiny hair cells of the cochlea then convey information to the auditory nerve, allowing the brain to process and interpret sound.**
A number of ear health concerns can develop over time, particularly in older adults, affecting hearing ability and ear comfort. Prevalent among these are:
- Tinnitus: This condition presents the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ear during an absence of real noise. The issue is associated with various factors, including exposure to loud sounds. Research has tied instances of tinnitus to blood circulation in the inner ear. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys state that approximately 50 million adult Americans have noted the condition at some point, and further studies also found that the issue occurs more regularly with those in the range of age 60-70.**
- Certain supplements, particularly fruit-derived bioflavonoids, may modulate the noise linked to this issue by encouraging healthy blood flow to the ears. These nutrients may additionally help to uphold cognitive wellness, possibly easing the perception of ringing in the ears and similar aural distractions. Tinnitus supplements should accompany a lifestyle free of intentionally loud sounds, including playing any kind of media at excessive volume levels.**
- Sinus Congestion: Sinuses are a series of hollow spaces located close to the nasal passages. When an allergic response is triggered, the subsequent inflammation can result in sinus congestion and discomfort. Seasonal wellness issues can also lead to sinus pressure. Although sinus congestion and pressure often affect the nasal and forehead regions, this discomfort may extend to the ears, where it can create muffled hearing and even dizziness. Roughly 30 million people in America experience some degree of sinus issues. Though there are many over-the-counter methods of supporting sinus health, natural sinus supplements may help while avoiding the side effects of conventional approaches. Many plant-derived sinus products include herbs such as cinnamon bark, ginger root and licorice root that may assist in regulating inflammatory response, easing congestion and pressure in the ears, as well as the nasal passages.**
- Earwax Buildup: Scientifically known as cerumen, earwax is naturally created by the body. Produced in the exterior section of the ear canal, this wax protects the ears with its antimicrobial and lubricating attributes. Although earwax typically leaves the ear canal over time by flaking off, it can become impacted, building up in the passageway and resulting in discomfort. Earwax buildup, which tends to affect older adults and those who use cotton swabs in their ears, may also muffle hearing and lead to ringing sounds or a sense of imbalance.**
One of the most popular methods of addressing earwax buildup is ear candling. This practice, which is believed to date back thousands of years, was purportedly utilized by various ancient civilizations and involves using a long hollow beeswax candle to encourage earwax removal. While one theory posits that the procedure creates a vacuum that draws out the impacted wax, another suggests that the warmth of the candle softens it for easier natural removal.**
Ear candling, which necessitates assistance from a second person, involves inserting the tapered candle end into the ear gently in order to avoid damaging the ear canal. Though some lie down for the procedure, sitting upright is generally recommended. The candle should be angled at an upward tilt and lit, allowing the light heat and smoke to warm the ear while the ash is caught on a flameproof surface. Once the candle burns down to about four inches from the head, it may be taken out and extinguished. If there are any concerns that any beeswax from the candle has entered the ear, it can be flushed out with clean water.**
Ear Health Products
Ear health products come from various sources, including traditionally used botanicals. Plant-based supplements are often available as capsules or caplets. Candlesticks intended for ear candling are commonly made of cotton muslin and beeswax.**
Ear Health Product Directions for Use
Routine supplementation should not begin without seeking advice from a health care professional. Suggested doses for ear health supplements have not been established. Capsules and caplets are often around 500-600 mg.**
