DIY is all the rage these days and everyone likes a quick easy fix. Sink Leaking? You can learn about how to fix that from a YouTube video. A plumber would probably be a little more efficient but then you wouldn’t get that sense of self-satisfaction that comes with doing it by yourself.
But that feeling only lasts until your sink begins leaking again. That’s because in some cases the skill and experience of a professional can’t be successfully substituted for a quick fix.
It isn’t always easy to admit that this is the case. And, in part, that’s why individuals will often continue to seek out “easy” DIY-fixes for intricate problems, which may 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 dig into that.
What is ear candling?
Everyone has had the feeling of a plugged ear now and then. Sometimes, it happens when you’re ill and your ear fills with mucus. In other instances, it may happen 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 might experience some discomfort. Your hearing might even temporarily go. It’s no fun!
Some people, as a result, think that ear candling is just the cheap and novel solution 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 pulled out by the combination of heat and pressure changes in your ear.
It should be quickly recognized that ear candling isn’t encouraged by healthcare professionals. 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). Essentially, most hearing and healthcare professionals will strongly advocate against ever utilizing this approach. Ear candling also has no effect on sinus pressure.
The FDA also firmly advocates against this practice.
What are the downsides of ear candling?
At first, ear candling might seem completely safe. It’s not as if it’s a huge flame. And you’re utilizing “specialized” equipment. And there are lots of people online who maintain that it’s completely safe. So, how can ear candling be harmful?
Unfortunately, there’s no getting around the fact that ear candling can be downright dangerous. What negative impacts can ear candling have? Here are just some of the (potentially painful) ways that ear candling can impact your health:
- Your ear can be severely burned: The fire and the melting ear candle wax are very hot. If the candle tips or the wax goes into where it’s not supposed to, you’re facing some considerable burning possibilities in your ear (and your ear is a sensitive spot).
- Your Eardrum could accidentally get pierced: Whenever you put something into your ear, you put yourself in danger! Your hearing will suffer substantial harm and discomfort if you end up puncturing your eardrum. If this occurs it’s very likely that you will have to get professional help.
- You can leave candle wax behind in your ear: The candle wax can get into your ears even if you don’t get burned. Your hearing can become impacted from this, not to mention the uncomfortableness.
- Your face could be severely burned: 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. Severe burns on the face aren’t the only hazards, you could also catch your hair on fire or drip hot wax into your eye.
- You can jam that earwax even further up into your ear: Inserting an ear candle into your ear can actually force earwax further into the ear canal much like when you utilize a cotton swab. Your earwax issue can be worsened by earwax candling, in other words! Other complications, from hearing loss to ear infections can also be the result.
So, do hearing healthcare professionals recommend ear candling? Not at all! Ultimately, earwax candling isn’t only useless, it’s utterly dangerous.
A better way to Tackle earwax
Ear wax is normally rather healthy. 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 well) that you start to have issues. So… if you can’t utilize a burning candle to remove earwax, what should you do?
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 (like using saline or mineral oil to loosen the wax, allowing it to kind of slide out by itself). But in some circumstances, they will perform a cleaning for you.
We can eliminate the wax safely with specialized tools and training.
In general, you should avoid techniques like using cotton swabs and earwax candling. Unless your hearing specialist says differently, it’s a good strategy to never put anything smaller than your finger in your ear.
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 clear 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