Everybody loves an easy fix, particularly when the solution is also a DIY fix. Sink Leaking? You can learn to fix that from a YouTube video. A plumber would probably be a bit more efficient but then you wouldn’t get that sense of self-satisfaction that comes with doing it by yourself.
At least, until your sink begins leaking again. That’s because sometimes the skill and experience of a professional can’t be successfully substituted for a quick fix.
Sometimes, that’s hard to admit. And, in part, that’s why individuals will often continue to look for “easy” DIY-fixes for complex problems, which might help explain the popularity of something known as ear candling (or, in some cases, earwax candling). It doesn’t really sound very appealing, does it? So, exactly what is ear candling, and how is it maybe not the best thing ever? Well, let’s get into that.
Ear candling – what is it?
Have you ever had a stuffy-ear sort of feeling? On occasion, your ear will fill with mucus when you’re ill. In other instances, it might occur because you have a surplus of earwax in your ears (and too much earwax can have a variety of causes). When this takes place, you may experience some discomfort. Your hearing may even temporarily go. It’s no fun!
As a result, some individuals believe they have discovered what seems to be a natural and novel solution: ear candling. The concept is that a special hollow candle is placed in your ear (non-burning end). Individuals imagine that the wax and mucus are drawn out by the combination of heat and pressure changes inside your ear.
Healthcare professionals definitely don’t encourage this technique. If you’re searching for proof that ear candling really works and draws out wax, you won’t find any. In other words, the vast majority of hearing and healthcare professionals will emphatically recommend against ever utilizing this approach. (Does ear candling help with sinus pressure? Also no.)
Just listen to the FDA! (What is the FDA saying about ear candling? Essentially, don’t do it!)
The drawbacks of ear candling
Ear candling might feel safe, at first. It’s not like it’s a giant flame. And you’re using “specialized” equipment. And there are lots of people online who maintain that it’s completely safe. So how could it be possible for ear candling to be dangerous?
Unfortunately, there’s no getting around the fact that ear candling can be downright hazardous. What negative impacts can ear candling have? Ear candling can impact your health in the following negative and possibly painful ways:
- You can leave candle wax behind in your ear: Even if you don’t get burned, surplus ear candle wax can go into your ears. This leftover wax can cause acute discomfort and, eventually, affect your hearing.
- The earwax can be crammed even further into your ear: Putting an ear candle into your ear can actually push earwax further into the ear canal much like when you use a cotton swab. In other words, ear candling can make your earwax problem worse! Other complications, from hearing loss to ear infections can also be the consequence.
- You might accidentally pierce your eardrum: Whenever you put something into your ear, you put yourself in danger! You may accidentally pierce your eardrum, causing substantial discomfort and damage to your hearing. Often, this is something that must be treated by a hearing professional.
- Your face could be severely burned: There’s always a pretty good possibility that if you’re holding a flame up near your ear, you might 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 seriously burned.
- Your ear can be severely burned: The fire and the melting ear candle wax are quite hot. If the candle tips or the wax goes into where it’s not supposed to, you’re facing some substantial burning possibilities in your ear (and your ear is a sensitive spot).
So, is ear candling recommended by hearing healthcare professionals? No… not even a little! Not only is ear candling not practical, it’s actually quite dangerous!
A better way to deal with earwax
Ear wax is generally pretty healthy. In normal quantities, it’s good for your ears. Problems begin when there’s an overabundance of earwax or when it won’t drain effectively. So what should you do if making use of a candle is a bad idea?
If you have an earwax obstruction, the best thing to do may be consulting with a hearing specialist. They may advise some at-home remedies (including using saline or mineral oil to soften the wax, allowing it to kind of run out by itself). But in some circumstances, they will do a cleaning for you.
Hearing specialists have specific tools and training that let them remove wax without harming your ear.
In general, you should avoid techniques like using cotton swabs and earwax candling. Unless your hearing specialist says differently, it’s a good plan to never put anything smaller than your finger in your ear.
Give your ears some relief
Schedule an appointment with us if you have surplus earwax that’s causing you some discomfort. We will be able to help you clean 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
