Everybody loves a quick fix, especially when the fix is also a DIY fix. Got a leaky sink? You can learn to fix that from a YouTube video. It may take you a little bit longer than it would take a plumber, but there’s no substitute for the gratification you feel, right?
But that feeling only continues until your sink starts leaking again. That’s because in some cases the skill and experience of a professional can’t be effectively substituted for a quick fix.
It’s not always easy to admit that this is the case. Ear candling or earwax candling is a perfect example of a DIY fix that individuals keep going back to. It sounds… kind of gross, doesn’t it? Let’s dive into just what earwax candling is and its dangers.
What is ear candling?
Have you ever had a stuffy-ear sort of feeling? Sometimes, your ear will fill with mucus when you’re ill. An excessive amount of earwax can also cause this feeling and that can happen for a number of reasons. This can sometimes be really uncomfortable. You might even experience a temporary loss of hearing. It kind of stinks!
As a result, some individuals believe they have found what seems to be a natural and novel option: ear candling. The concept is that a special hollow candle is put into your ear (non-burning end). Somehow, the combination of heat and the hollow design of the candle alters the air pressure within your ear canal, pulling the earwax or mucus out.
Healthcare professionals definitely don’t recommend this approach. Do ear candles really pull wax out? No. There’s absolutely no evidence that ear candling works (especially not in the way that it’s supposed to work). Nearly every single hearing healthcare professional, as a result, will strongly advocate against utilizing this strategy ever. Ear candling also has no effect on sinus pressure.
The FDA also strongly advises against this approach.
What are the downsides of ear candling?
Ear candling might feel safe, at first. It’s not as if it’s a giant flame. And the “equipment” is specialized. And people on the internet said it was safe! So, how can ear candling be dangerous?
Ear candling can, unfortunately, be very dangerous and there’s no way of getting around that! What are the side effects of ear candling? Here are just a few of the (possibly painful) ways that ear candling can affect your health:
- Your Eardrum may accidentally get punctured: There’s a danger that comes with inserting anything in your ears! You may accidentally pierce your eardrum, creating significant discomfort and harm to your hearing. If this takes place it’s very likely that you will need to get professional help.
- You can jam that earwax even further into your ear: Putting an ear candle into your ear can actually jam earwax further into the ear canal much like when you use a cotton swab. In other words, ear candling can make your earwax issue worse! Other complications, from hearing loss to ear infections can also be the consequence.
- You can leave candle wax behind in your ear: The candle wax can get left behind in your ears even if you don’t get burned. This Leftover wax can cause serious discomfort and, eventually, affect your hearing.
- You can severely burn your ear: Fire is hot, melting wax is too. If the tip of the candle or the wax goes into where it’s not supposed to, you’re looking at some significant burning possibilities in your ear (and your ear is a sensitive spot).
- You could seriously burn your face: Look, any time you’re holding candles that close to your face, there’s a good possibility you’ll burn yourself. Everybody has accidents now and then. It’s all too easy for candle wax to drip into your eyes or for your hair to catch on fire or for your face to get severely burned.
So, is ear candling recommended by hearing healthcare professionals? No… not even a little bit! Not only is ear candling not helpful, it’s actually quite dangerous!
A better way to Tackle earwax
Earwax is actually a good thing. In normal quantities, it’s beneficial for your ears. Issues start when there’s too much earwax or when it won’t properly drain. So… if you can’t utilize a burning candle to remove earwax, what should you do?
If you have an earwax obstruction, the most beneficial thing to do might be talking to a hearing specialist. Normally, they will recommend that you try some at-home solutions, like a saline wash, to loosen the wax allowing it to drip out on its own. But they might also clean out your ear while you’re in the office.
Hearing specialists have special tools and training that let them clear away wax without harming your ear.
In general, you should avoid techniques like utilizing cotton swabs and earwax candling. Nothing smaller than your finger should go into your ears unless advised by your hearing specialist or physician.
How to help your ears feel better
Schedule an appointment with us if you have excess earwax that’s causing you some distress. We will be capable of helping you clean any stubborn earwax out of your ears and get you back to feeling normal.
Call Today to Set Up an Appointment
References
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/ear-candling-ineffective-and-risky
