DIY is all the rage these days and everybody likes a quick easy fix. Sink Leaking? You can learn 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 substitute for the satisfaction you feel, right?

But that feeling only lasts until your sink begins leaking again. Because, as it turns out, in some cases a DIY fix is no substitute for the well-honed skills of a professional.

Sometimes, that’s hard to admit. Ear candling or earwax candling is a perfect example of a DIY fix that individuals keep going back to. It doesn’t really sound very appealing, does it? Let’s dive into exactly what earwax candling is and its dangers.

What is ear candling?

Have you ever had a plugged-ear sort of feeling? In some cases, your ear will fill with mucus when you’re ill. An excessive amount of earwax can also cause this feeling and that can occur for various reasons. This can sometimes be very uncomfortable. You may even notice a temporary loss in your ability to hear. It sort of stinks!

As a result, some individuals believe they have encountered what seems to be a natural and novel solution: ear candling. The idea is that a special hollow candle is placed in your ear (non-burning end). Somehow, the combination of heat and the hollow design of the candle alters the air pressure inside of your ear canal, pulling the earwax or mucus out.

Healthcare professionals definitely don’t encourage this approach. If you’re searching for proof that ear candling actually works and pulls out wax, you won’t find any. Nearly every single hearing healthcare professional, as a result, will strongly recommend against using this technique ever. Ear candling also has no effect on sinus pressure.

Just listen to the FDA! (What is the FDA advising about ear candling? Essentially, don’t do it!)

What are the disadvantages of ear candling?

Ear candling may feel safe, at first. It’s a really small flame. And the “equipment” is specialized. And people on the internet said it was safe! So how could it be possible for ear candling to be harmful?

Unfortunately, there’s no mistaking the fact that ear candling can be absolutely hazardous. What negative impacts can ear candling have? Here are just some of the (potentially painful) ways that ear candling can affect your health:

• You can jam that earwax even further into your ear: Inserting 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 issue worse! Other complications, from hearing loss to ear infections can also be the consequence.
• Your ear can be severely burned: Fire is hot, melting wax is too. Your ear is really sensitive and substantial burning can take place if the flame or the hot wax gets someplace it shouldn’t.
• Your face could be severely burned: There’s always a fairly good chance that if you’re holding a flame up by your ear, you might burn your face. Accidents will happen! 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 leave candle wax behind in your ear: 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 discomfort.
• You could accidentally puncture your eardrum: There’s a danger that comes with sticking anything in your ears! You may accidentally puncture your eardrum, creating significant discomfort and damage to your hearing. Often, this is something that has to be treated by a hearing professional.

So, is ear candling recommended by hearing healthcare professionals? Not at all! Ultimately, earwax candling isn’t simply useless, it’s downright dangerous.

A better way to manage earwax

Ear wax is typically rather healthy. It’s good for your ears in normal quantities. Issues start when there’s too much earwax or when it won’t drain effectively. So what should you do if utilizing a candle is a bad plan?

If you have an earwax blockage, the most beneficial thing to do might be speaking with a hearing specialist. Usually, they will suggest that you try some at-home solutions, like a saline wash, to loosen the wax allowing it to drip out by itself. But they might also clean out your ear while you’re in the office.

We can get rid of 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.

Give your ears some relief

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 removing any stubborn earwax.

Call Today to Set Up an Appointment

References
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/ear-candling-ineffective-and-risky