Everybody loves an easy fix, particularly when the fix is also a DIY fix. Sink Leaking? Just search YouTube for the ideal plumbing tutorial, go get the suggested tools, and get to work! It may take you a little bit longer than it would take a plumber, but there’s no replacement for the gratification you feel, right?
At least, until your sink begins to leak again. Because, as it turns out, in some cases a DIY fix is no replacement for the well-sharpened skills of a professional.
Sometimes, that’s hard to admit. Ear candling or earwax candling is a perfect example of a DIY fix that people keep coming back to. It doesn’t really sound very appealing, does it? Let’s dive into just what earwax candling is and its dangers.
What is ear candling?
Have you ever had a stuffy-ear sort of feeling? Occasionally, it takes place when you’re sick and your ear fills with mucus. In other situations, it may occur because you have a surplus of earwax in your ears (and surplus earwax can have any number of causes). When this happens, you might experience some discomfort. Your hearing may even temporarily go. It’s not fun!
Some people, because of this, believe that ear candling is just the cheap and novel solution they need. The concept is that a special hollow candle is put in your ear (non-burning end). People believe that the wax and mucus are pulled out by the blend of heat and pressure changes inside your ear.
It should be quickly recognized that ear candling is not advocated by healthcare professionals. If you’re looking for evidence that ear candling really works and pulls out wax, you won’t find any. In other words, the vast majority of hearing and healthcare professionals will strongly advocate against ever using this approach. Ear candling also has no effect on sinus pressure.
The FDA also strongly advises against this practice.
What are the drawbacks of ear candling?
Initially, ear candling may feel perfectly safe. It’s not as if it’s a giant flame. And the “equipment” is specialized. And there are plenty of people online who claim that it’s completely safe. So how could it be possible for ear candling to be harmful?
Ear candling can, unfortunately, be really hazardous and there’s no way to get around that! What are the negative effects of ear candling? Ear candling can affect your health in the following negative and possibly painful ways:
- The earwax can be pushed 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 blockage, so too can pushing a specialized candle in your ear. In other words, ear candling can make your earwax issue worse! Other complications, from hearing loss to ear infections can also be the outcome.
- Your Eardrum might accidentally get pierced: Whenever you put something into your ear, you put yourself in danger! Your hearing will suffer considerable damage and discomfort if you end up puncturing your eardrum. If this happens it’s very likely that you will need to get professional assistance.
- Your face could be severely burned: Look, any time you’re holding candles that close to your face, there’s a strong possibility you’ll burn yourself. 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.
- Your ear can be severely burned: Fire is hot, and so is melting candle wax. Your ear is really sensitive and considerable burning can take place if the flame or the hot wax gets someplace it shouldn’t.
- You can leave candle wax behind in your ear: The candle wax can get into your ears even if you don’t get burned. This leftover wax can cause serious discomfort and, eventually, impact your hearing.
So, do hearing healthcare professionals advocate ear candling? Not at all! Not only is ear candling not helpful, it’s actually very dangerous!
So how should you get rid of earwax?
Earwax is actually a good thing. It’s helpful for your ears in normal quantities. Problems begin when there’s an overabundance of earwax or when it won’t properly drain. So what should you do if using a candle is a bad idea?
If you have an earwax blockage, the best thing to do might be speaking with a hearing specialist. Typically, they will suggest that you try some at-home solutions, such as a saline wash, to soften the wax allowing it to run out by itself. But they may also clean out your ear during your visit.
Hearing specialists have specific tools and training that allow them to clear away wax without injuring your ear.
In general, you should avoid techniques such as 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.
Give your ears some relief
If surplus earwax is causing you a bit of discomfort or misery, you should schedule an appointment with us. We will be capable of helping you remove 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
