Things That Keep Audiologists Up at Night

October is a time for ghosts, ghouls, and everything spooky.
But for audiologists, the real chills don’t come from haunted houses or horror films.

They come from the everyday habits that quietly, and sometimes permanently, damage people’s hearing.

At Byrom Audiology, we’re passionate about protecting hearing at every stage of life. We see firsthand how small habits can lead to big problems over time, often without people realising it.

So, in the spirit of Halloween, here’s our version of a horror story – the five things that truly keep audiologists up at night.

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1. Cotton Buds

They might seem harmless, but cotton buds are one of the most common causes of ear problems we see in clinic.

For decades, people have used them to “clean” their ears – yet they’re not designed for that at all. In fact, most cotton bud boxes even carry a warning: do not insert into the ear canal.

Cotton buds tend to push wax deeper rather than remove it. This can cause blockages, irritation, and sometimes even injury. We’ve treated patients who have accidentally scraped the ear canal, compacted the wax completely, or even perforated the eardrum.

Your ears are self-cleaning. Earwax (cerumen) is protective, trapping dust, debris, and bacteria, and keeping your ear canal healthy.

If you’re feeling blocked or experiencing discomfort, the safest option is always professional ear wax removal. We use gentle, safe methods like microsuction – no digging, no poking, no risk.

Learn more: https://www.byromaudiology.com/ear-treatments

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2. Ignoring Your Tinnitus

That constant ringing, buzzing, or humming sound that no one else can hear – that’s tinnitus.

It’s surprisingly common, affecting millions of people in the UK, but it’s often dismissed as something you just have to live with. That’s one of the biggest misconceptions out there.

Tinnitus isn’t an illness in itself – it’s a symptom. It can be linked to hearing loss, noise exposure, stress, jaw tension, or even certain medications.

When ignored, tinnitus can start to affect sleep, concentration, and wellbeing. We’ve met patients who have lived with it for years before seeking help, believing nothing could be done.

The truth is, there are effective treatments available.

At Byrom Audiology, we offer Lenire Therapy – a clinically proven, non-invasive tinnitus treatment that helps retrain the brain’s response to sound. 86% of patients report improvement, and we’re proud to be the only certified Lenire provider between Scotland and Birmingham.

Learn more: https://www.byromaudiology.com/tinnitus

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3. Blasting Headphones at Full Volume

We love music, podcasts, and playlists as much as anyone – but they can become a silent threat to hearing health.

Noise-induced hearing loss doesn’t happen overnight. It’s gradual and painless, which makes it easy to miss. By the time you notice difficulty hearing conversations or find yourself turning up the TV, damage may already be done.

Listening through headphones at high volumes for long periods is one of the biggest culprits.

Here’s what we recommend:
• Follow the 60/60 rule – keep volume under 60% and limit listening to 60 minutes at a time.
• Use noise-cancelling headphones – they help reduce background noise so you don’t need to turn the volume up.
• Pay attention to warning signs – if your ears ring after listening, that’s a sign of overexposure.

You don’t need to give up your music – just listen smart.

Learn more about hearing health: https://www.byromaudiology.com/hearing-tests

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4. “It’s Just a Bit of Wax”

We hear this phrase all the time.

Sometimes it really is just wax – and a simple microsuction session clears it in minutes. But sometimes, that assumption means something more serious goes unnoticed.

Hearing changes can have many causes: infection, fluid, hearing loss, or issues with the middle ear. When people self-diagnose and delay appointments, it can mask other conditions or delay treatment.

We’ve had patients come in after weeks of feeling blocked, only to discover it wasn’t wax at all – it was inflammation, infection, or early hearing loss.

Never assume. If something doesn’t sound or feel right, get it checked. A professional assessment takes minutes and gives you clarity and relief.

Book a consultation: https://www.byromaudiology.com/contact-us

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5. Skipping Your Hearing Test

We book regular check-ups for our eyes, teeth, and blood pressure – but hearing often gets left behind.

The truth is, hearing loss is usually gradual. You might start asking people to repeat themselves, mishearing words, or avoiding noisy environments without realising it’s a sign of change.

Regular hearing tests, even if you think your hearing is fine, help you track changes early. Early detection makes it easier to manage hearing loss and prevent further deterioration.

Your hearing connects you to people, experiences, and memories. Don’t wait until you’re missing out to give it the care it deserves.

Book your hearing test: https://www.byromaudiology.com/hearing-tests

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A Final Word

At Byrom Audiology, we’re not scared of ghosts or goblins – we’re scared of preventable hearing problems.

The habits we’ve mentioned might seem small, but over time, they can have a big impact. The good news is they’re all avoidable with the right awareness and care.

So this Halloween, give your ears a treat, not a trick:
• Skip the cotton buds
• Listen safely
• Take tinnitus seriously
• Get your hearing checked

Your hearing health is worth protecting.

If you ever need advice, support, or a check-up, we’re here to help – with expertise, empathy, and no judgment.

Meet our team: https://www.byromaudiology.com/our-team
Contact us: https://www.byromaudiology.com/contact-us