DIY is all the rage these days and everyone likes a quick easy 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 on your own.
But that feeling only continues until your sink starts to leak again. That’s because in some cases the skill and experience of a professional can’t be effectively substituted for a quick fix.
It isn’t always easy to admit that this is the situation. Ear candling or earwax candling is a perfect example of a DIY fix that people keep going back to. It doesn’t really sound that appealing, does it? So, just 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?
Everyone has had the feeling of a stuffy ear from time to time. Occasionally, it takes place when you’re ill and your ear fills with mucus. Too much earwax can also cause this feeling and that can occur for various reasons. When this happens, you might experience a certain amount of discomfort. You might even notice a temporary loss in your ability to hear. It’s not fun!
Because of this, some people imagine they have discovered what seems to be a natural and novel solution: ear candling. The idea is to put the non-burning end of a special, hollow candle inside of your ear. Individuals believe that the wax and mucus are pulled out by the combination of heat and pressure changes in your ear.
It should be quickly mentioned that ear candling isn’t advocated by healthcare professionals. Do ear candles really pull wax out? No. There’s positively no evidence that ear candling works (especially not in the way that it’s supposed to work). Nearly every single hearing healthcare professional, as a result, will strongly recommend against using this practice ever. Ear candling also doesn’t help with sinus pressure.
Just listen to the FDA! (What is the FDA advising about ear candling? Basically, don’t do it!)
The negative aspects of ear candling
Ear candling may feel safe, initially. It’s not like it’s a giant flame. And the “equipment” is specialized. And individuals on the internet claimed it was safe! So how could it be possible for ear candling to be dangerous?
Ear candling can, regrettably, be quite hazardous and there’s no way of getting around that! What are the negative effects of ear candling? Ear candling can affect your health in the following negative and potentially painful ways:
- You can jam that earwax even further into your ear: In much the same way that sticking a Q-tip in your ear can smoosh the earwax into an ever-more-dense obstruction, so too can pushing a specialized candle into your ear. Your earwax problem can be worsened by earwax candling, in other words! Other complications, from hearing loss to ear infections can also be the outcome.
- You might accidentally puncture your eardrum: There’s a danger that comes with pushing anything in your ears! You may accidentally pierce your eardrum, causing considerable discomfort and harm to your hearing. Often, this is something that must be treated by a hearing professional.
- Your ear can be seriously burned: 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 considerable burning possibilities in your ear (and your ear is a sensitive spot).
- You can leave candle wax behind in your ear: Even if you don’t get burned, surplus ear candle wax can get left behind in your ears. This Leftover wax can cause significant discomfort and, eventually, impact your hearing.
- Your face could be seriously burned: Look, any time you’re positioning candles that close to your face, there’s a good possibility you’ll burn yourself. Accidents will happen! Severe burns on the face aren’t the only hazards, you could also catch your hair on fire or trickle hot wax into your eye.
So, is ear candling endorsed by hearing healthcare professionals? No… not even a little! Ultimately, earwax candling isn’t simply ineffective, it’s utterly dangerous.
A better way to manage earwax
Earwax is actually a good thing. In normal amounts, it’s beneficial 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 plan?
If you have an earwax blockage, the most beneficial thing to do may be speaking with a hearing specialist. They may suggest some at-home remedies (including using saline or mineral oil to soften the wax, allowing it to sort of run out by itself). But they might also clean out your ear during your visit.
We can eliminate 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 strategy 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 little discomfort or distress, you should make 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
