DIY is all the rage these days and everybody likes a quick easy fix. Got a leaky sink? Just search YouTube for the suitable plumbing tutorial, buy the suggested tools, and go to work! A plumber would most likely be a bit more efficient but then you wouldn’t get that sense of self-satisfaction that comes with doing it on your own.
But that feeling only lasts until your sink starts to leak again. Because, as it so happens, sometimes a DIY fix is no substitute for the well-sharpened skills of a professional.
Sometimes, that’s difficult to admit. Ear candling or earwax candling is a perfect example of a DIY fix that people 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.
Ear candling – what is it?
Have you ever had a plugged-ear sort of feeling? In some cases, your ear will fill with mucus when you’re ill. Too much earwax can also cause this feeling and that can occur for various reasons. When this occurs, you might experience a certain amount of discomfort. Your hearing might even temporarily go. It kind of stinks!
As a result, some people 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 mix of heat and the hollow design of the candle alters the air pressure within your ear canal, drawing the earwax or mucus out.
It should be quickly noted that ear candling is not advocated by healthcare professionals. Do ear candles actually pull wax out? No. There’s positively no proof that ear candling works (particularly not in the way that it’s claimed to work). In other words, the vast majority of hearing and healthcare professionals will strongly recommend against ever utilizing this practice. Ear candling also doesn’t help with sinus pressure.
The FDA also firmly advocates against this practice.
What are the downsides of ear candling?
Initially, ear candling may feel completely safe. It’s just a tiny flame. And you’re utilizing “specialized” equipment. And people on the internet claimed it was safe! So, how can ear candling be harmful?
Ear candling can, regrettably, be really hazardous and there’s no way to get around that! What are the side effects of ear candling? Ear candling can affect your health in the following negative and possibly painful ways:
- Your ear can have residual candle wax drip in there: The candle wax can get left behind in your ears even if you don’t get burned. Your hearing can become impacted from this, not to mention the uncomfortableness.
- You can push that earwax even further up into your ear: Putting 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! This can cause all sorts of other complications from hearing loss to severe infections.
- Your ear can be severely burned: The fire and the melting ear candle wax are very hot. If the tip of the candle or the wax gets where it’s not supposed to, you’re facing some considerable burning possibilities in your ear (and your ear is a sensitive location).
- Your Eardrum might accidentally get pierced: Whenever you put something into your ear, you put yourself at risk! Your hearing will suffer significant harm and discomfort if you end up puncturing your eardrum. If this takes place it’s very likely that you will have to get professional help.
- You could seriously burn your face: There’s always a pretty good chance that if you’re holding a flame up by your ear, you could burn your face. Everybody has accidents now and then. It’s all too easy for candle wax to trickle into your eyes or for your hair to catch on fire or for your face to become severely burned.
So, do hearing healthcare professionals endorse ear candling? No… not even a little bit! Ultimately, earwax candling isn’t only ineffective, it’s downright dangerous.
So how should you clear away earwax?
Earwax is actually a good thing. In normal quantities, it’s beneficial for your ears. Issues begin when there’s too much earwax or when it won’t drain effectively. So… if you can’t make use of a burning candle to remove earwax, what should you do?
If you have an earwax blockage, the best thing to do may be consulting with a hearing specialist. They may suggest some at-home alternatives (including using saline or mineral oil to loosen the wax, allowing it to sort of slide out on its own). But in some cases, they will perform a cleaning for you.
Hearing specialists have special tools and training that allow them to clear away wax without injuring your ear.
In general, you should stay away from techniques like using cotton swabs and earwax candling. Unless your hearing specialist says differently, it’s a good policy to never put anything smaller than your finger in your ear.
Give your ears some relief
If surplus earwax is causing you a bit of discomfort or distress, you should schedule an appointment with us. We can help you get back to normal by clearing away any stubborn earwax.
References
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/ear-candling-ineffective-and-risky