DIY is all the rage these days and everybody likes a quick easy fix. Got a leaky sink? You can learn to fix that from a YouTube video. A plumber would probably be a little more efficient but then you wouldn’t get that feeling of self-satisfaction that comes with doing it on your own.
At least, until your sink begins to leak again. That’s because sometimes 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 situation. Ear candling or earwax candling is a perfect example of a DIY fix that individuals keep going back to. It doesn’t really sound very pleasing, does it? Let’s dive into just what earwax candling is and its dangers.
What is ear candling?
Have you ever had a plugged-ear sort of feeling? Sometimes, it happens when you’re ill and your ear fills with mucus. In other instances, it might occur because you have a surplus of earwax in your ears (and surplus earwax can have any number of causes). When this takes place, you might experience some discomfort. You may even experience a temporary loss of hearing. It kind of stinks!
Some individuals, as a result, think that ear candling is just the inexpensive and novel solution they need. The concept is that a special hollow candle is put into your ear (non-burning end). Somehow, the combination of heat and the hollow style of the candle changes the air pressure inside of your ear canal, drawing the earwax or mucus out.
Healthcare professionals absolutely don’t recommend this approach. If you’re searching for evidence that ear candling really works and draws out wax, you won’t uncover any. In other words, most hearing and healthcare professionals will strongly recommend against ever using this technique. Ear candling also has no effect on sinus pressure.
The FDA also firmly advises against this practice.
What are the drawbacks of ear candling?
Ear candling may feel safe, at first. It’s not as if it’s a huge flame. And the “equipment” is specialized. And people on the internet claimed it was safe! So, how could ear candling be dangerous?
Unfortunately, there’s no mistaking the fact that ear candling can be absolutely hazardous. What negative affects can ear candling have? Ear candling can affect your health in the following negative and potentially painful ways:
- Your ear can have surplus candle wax left behind: Even if you don’t get burned, surplus ear candle wax can get left behind in your ears. This leftover wax can cause acute discomfort and, eventually, affect your hearing.
- Your face could be severely burned: There’s always a pretty good possibility that if you’re holding a flame up by your ear, you might burn your face. Accidents will happen! 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 seriously burned.
- The earwax can be crammed even further into your ear: Inserting an ear candle inside your ear can actually jam earwax further into the ear canal much like when you utilize a cotton swab. Your earwax problem can be worsened by earwax candling, in other words! Other complications, from hearing loss to ear infections can also be the outcome.
- You could accidentally puncture your eardrum: Whenever you put something into your ear, you put yourself at risk! Your hearing will suffer considerable damage and discomfort if you end up puncturing your eardrum. Often, this is something that needs to be treated by a hearing professional.
- Your ear can be seriously burned: Fire is hot, melting wax is too. Your ear is very sensitive and considerable burning can take place if the flame or the hot wax gets someplace it shouldn’t.
So, is ear candling recommended by hearing healthcare professionals? Not at all! Ultimately, earwax candling isn’t just ineffective, it’s downright dangerous.
So how should you clear away earwax?
Earwax is actually a good thing. It’s helpful for your ears in normal quantities. It’s only when there’s an excessive amount of earwax (or it isn’t draining correctly) that you start to have difficulty. So what should you do if using a candle is a bad strategy?
Seek advice from a hearing specialist if you have a stubborn earwax obstruction. Usually, they will recommend that you try some at-home solutions, such as a saline wash, to loosen the wax allowing it to drip out by itself. But they might also clean out your ear while you’re in the office.
We can eliminate the wax safely with specialized tools and training.
It’s best to steer clear of things like ear candles and cotton swabs. Nothing smaller than your finger should go into your ears unless directed by your hearing specialist or doctor.
How to help your ears feel better
Schedule an appointment with us if you have surplus earwax that’s causing you some discomfort. We will be capable of helping you remove any stubborn earwax out of your ears and get you back to feeling normal.
References
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/ear-candling-ineffective-and-risky
