Everybody loves a quick fix, especially when the solution is also a DIY fix. Sink Leaking? Just search YouTube for the right plumbing tutorial, buy the suggested tools, and go to work! It may take you a little bit longer than it would take a plumber, but there’s no replacement for the satisfaction you feel, right?

At least, until your sink begins leaking 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 case. And, to some extent, that’s why individuals will frequently continue to seek out “easy” DIY-fixes for intricate problems, which might help explain the popularity of something known as ear candling (or, in some cases, earwax candling). It doesn’t really sound that pleasing, does it? So, just what is ear candling, and how is it maybe not the best thing ever? Well, let’s get into that.

What is ear candling?

Have you ever had a plugged-ear kind of feeling? On occasion, your ear will fill with mucus when you’re ill. Too much earwax can also trigger this feeling and that can occur for various reasons. When this takes place, you may experience some discomfort. You might even notice a temporary loss of hearing. It kind of stinks!

Some people, because of this, think that ear candling is just the inexpensive and novel fix they need. The concept is to place the non-burning end of a special, hollow candle in your ear. Individuals imagine that the wax and mucus are drawn out by the mix of heat and pressure changes in your ear.

Healthcare professionals definitely don’t recommend this approach. Do ear candles actually draw wax out? No. There’s positively no proof that ear candling is effective (especially not in the way that it’s claimed to work). Nearly every single hearing healthcare professional, as a result, will strongly advocate against utilizing this practice ever. Ear candling also doesn’t help with sinus pressure.

The FDA also strongly advises against this practice.

The drawbacks of ear candling

Ear candling might feel safe, at first. It’s a really small flame. And you’re utilizing “specialized” equipment. And there are a lot of people online who claim that it’s completely safe. So how could it be possible for ear candling to be dangerous?

Ear candling can, unfortunately, be very dangerous and there’s no way to get around that! What negative impacts can ear candling have? Here are just a few of the (possibly painful) ways that ear candling can impact your health:

• Your ear can have residual candle wax left behind: The candle wax can get left behind in your ears even if you don’t get burned. This Leftover wax can cause significant discomfort and, eventually, impact your hearing.
• Your Eardrum might accidentally get pierced: There’s a danger that comes with sticking anything in your ears! Your hearing will suffer significant damage and discomfort if you end up puncturing your eardrum. If this takes place it’s very likely that you will need to get professional assistance.
• You can jam that earwax 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. Your earwax problem can be worsened by earwax candling, in other words! Other complications, from hearing loss to ear infections can also be the consequence.
• Your face could be seriously burned: There’s always a pretty good possibility that if you’re holding a flame up near 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 become severely burned.
• You can cause severe burns to 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 facing some substantial burning possibilities in your ear (and your ear is a sensitive location).

So, is ear candling endorsed by hearing healthcare professionals? Not at all! Ultimately, earwax candling isn’t simply ineffective, it’s utterly dangerous.

So how should you eliminate earwax?

Earwax is actually a good thing. In normal quantities, it’s good for your ears. Problems start when there’s too much earwax or when it won’t properly drain. So what should you do if using a candle is a bad strategy?

If you have an earwax obstruction, the best thing to do may be speaking 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 run out by itself). But they might also clean out your ear while you’re in the office.

Hearing specialists have specific tools and training that let them clean out wax without injuring your ear.

Generally, you should stay away from techniques such as utilizing cotton swabs and earwax candling. Nothing smaller than your finger should be put into your ears unless advised by your hearing specialist or physician.

How to help your ears feel better

If excess earwax is causing you a little discomfort or misery, you should make an appointment with us. We can help you get back to normal by eliminating any stubborn earwax.

Call Today to Set Up an Appointment

References
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/ear-candling-ineffective-and-risky