Everyone loves an easy fix, especially when the fix is also a DIY fix. Sink Leaking? Just search YouTube for the right plumbing tutorial, go get the suggested tools, and go to work! A plumber would most likely be a bit more efficient but then you wouldn’t get that feeling of self-satisfaction that comes with doing it by yourself.
At least, until your sink starts leaking again. Because, as it turns out, sometimes a DIY fix is no substitute for the well-honed skills of a professional.
It isn’t always easy to acknowledge that this is the situation. And, to some extent, that’s why individuals will often continue to seek out “easy” DIY-fixes for intricate problems, which might help explain the popularity of something called ear candling (or, sometimes, earwax candling). It sounds… kind of gross, doesn’t 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, your ear will fill with mucus when you’re ill. In other cases, it may happen because you have too much earwax in your ears (and too much earwax can have a variety of causes). When this takes place, you might experience a certain amount of discomfort. You may even experience a temporary loss in your ability to hear. It kind of stinks!
Some individuals, as a result, believe that ear candling is just the inexpensive and novel solution they need. The concept is to place the non-burning end of a special, hollow candle in your ear. Somehow, the mix of heat and the hollow design of the candle alters the air pressure inside of your ear canal, pulling the earwax or mucus out.
It should be quickly mentioned that ear candling isn’t recommended by healthcare professionals. 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 using this practice ever. Ear candling also has no effect on sinus pressure.
The FDA also firmly advocates against this practice.
The negative aspects of ear candling
Ear candling may feel safe, at first. It’s a really small flame. And you’re using “specialized” equipment. And people on the internet claimed it was safe! So, how could ear candling be dangerous?
Unfortunately, there’s no getting around the fact that ear candling can be downright dangerous. 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 surplus candle wax drip in there: The candle wax can get into your ears even if you don’t get burned. This Leftover wax can cause significant discomfort and, eventually, impact your hearing.
- You may accidentally pierce your eardrum: Whenever you insert something into your ear, you put yourself at risk! You might accidentally puncture your eardrum, causing significant discomfort and harm to your hearing. If this occurs it’s very likely that you will have to get professional assistance.
- Your ear can be severely burned: Fire is hot, and so is melting candle wax. 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).
- You can push that earwax even further into your ear: Putting an ear candle inside your ear can actually force earwax further into the ear canal much like when you utilize a cotton swab. In other words, ear candling can make your earwax problem worse! This can trigger all kinds of other complications from hearing loss to serious infections.
- Your face could be severely burned: Look, whenever you’re holding candles that close to your face, there’s a good possibility you’ll burn yourself. Everyone has accidents once in a while. 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.
So, is ear candling recommended by hearing healthcare professionals? Not at all! Not only is ear candling not practical, it’s actually very dangerous!
So how should you get rid of earwax?
Ear wax is usually rather healthy. In normal quantities, it’s good for your ears. Issues start when there’s an overabundance of earwax or when it won’t drain effectively. So… if you can’t make use of a burning candle to eliminate earwax, what should you do?
If you have an earwax obstruction, the best thing to do may be speaking with a hearing specialist. Normally, they will suggest that you try some at-home solutions, like a saline wash, to soften the wax allowing it to drip out on its own. But in some instances, they will do a cleaning for you.
We can clean out the wax safely with specialty tools and training.
It’s best to avoid things like ear candles and cotton swabs. Unless your hearing specialist says differently, it’s a good plan to never put anything smaller than your finger in your ear.
How to help your ears feel better
If accumulated earwax is causing you a bit of discomfort or misery, you should make an appointment with us. We will be able to help you clear 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