DIY is all the rage nowadays and everyone likes a quick easy fix. Sink Leaking? You can learn about how to fix that from a YouTube video. It might take you a little bit longer than it would take a plumber, but there’s no replacement for the satisfaction you feel, right?
But that feeling only lasts until your sink starts to leak 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 situation. And, to some extent, that’s why individuals will frequently continue to seek out “easy” DIY-fixes for complex problems, which might help explain the popularity of something called ear candling (or, sometimes, earwax candling). It sounds… sort of gross, right? So, exactly what is ear candling, and how is it probably not the best thing ever? Well, let’s get into that.
What is ear candling?
Everybody has had the feeling of a plugged ear from time to time. Sometimes, your ear will fill with mucus when you’re ill. In other cases, it might happen because you have too much earwax in your ears (and surplus earwax can have any number of causes). This can sometimes be really uncomfortable. You may even experience a temporary loss of hearing. It sort of stinks!
Some individuals, because of this, think that ear candling is just the inexpensive and novel solution they need. The idea is to place the non-burning end of a special, hollow candle inside of your ear. People imagine that the wax and mucus are drawn out by the mix of heat and pressure changes in your ear.
It should be immediately noted that ear candling is not advocated by healthcare professionals. Do ear candles really draw wax out? No. There’s positively no evidence that ear candling works (particularly not in the way that it’s claimed to work). Almost every single hearing healthcare professional, as a result, will strongly advocate against using this technique ever. Ear candling also has no effect on sinus pressure.
Just listen to the FDA! (What is the FDA saying about ear candling? Basically, don’t do it!)
The drawbacks of ear candling
Initially, ear candling may feel completely safe. It’s a really small flame. And you’re utilizing “specialized” equipment. And people on the internet said it was safe! So how could it be possible for ear candling to be dangerous?
Ear candling can, regrettably, 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 potentially painful ways:
- You could severely burn your face: There’s always a pretty good chance that if you’re holding a flame up by your ear, you could burn your face. Accidents will happen! Severe burns on the face are not the only dangers, you could also catch your hair on fire or drip hot wax into your eye.
- You can push that earwax even further up into your ear: Putting an ear candle inside your ear can actually jam 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! Other complications, from hearing loss to ear infections can also be the outcome.
- Your ear can be severely burned: Fire is hot, and so is melting candle wax. If the candle tips or the wax goes into where it’s not supposed to, you’re looking at some considerable burning possibilities in your ear (and your ear is a sensitive location).
- Your ear can have surplus candle wax drip in there: The candle wax can get left behind in your ears even if you don’t get burned. Your hearing can become impacted from this, not to mention the uncomfortableness.
- You may accidentally puncture your eardrum: Whenever you insert something into your ear, you put yourself at risk! 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 have to get professional assistance.
So, do hearing healthcare professionals advocate ear candling? Not at all! Ultimately, earwax candling isn’t simply ineffective, it’s downright dangerous.
A better way to manage earwax
Earwax is actually a good thing. In normal amounts, it’s beneficial for your ears. Problems start when there’s an overabundance of earwax or when it won’t properly drain. So what should you do if utilizing a candle is a bad plan?
Talk to a hearing specialist if you have a stubborn earwax obstruction. They may advise some at-home alternatives (like using saline or mineral oil to loosen the wax, allowing it to sort of run out by itself). But in some situations, they will do a cleaning for you.
We can remove the wax safely with specialty tools and training.
It’s best to steer clear of 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.
Give your ears some relief
If accumulated earwax is causing you a bit of discomfort or misery, you should schedule an appointment with us. We will be able to help you remove 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