DIY is all the rage these days and everyone appreciates a quick easy fix. Sink Leaking? You can learn to fix that from a YouTube video. 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 begins leaking again. Because, as it turns out, sometimes a DIY fix is no substitute for the well-sharpened skills of a professional.
It’s not always easy to admit that this is the situation. And, in part, that’s why individuals will frequently continue to seek out “easy” DIY-fixes for intricate problems, which may help explain the popularity of something called ear candling (or, in some cases, earwax candling). It doesn’t really sound that appealing, does it? Let’s dive into exactly what earwax candling is and its dangers.
Ear candling – what is it?
Everyone has had the feeling of a stuffy ear now and then. Occasionally, it happens when you’re sick and your ear fills with mucus. Too much earwax can also trigger this feeling and that can occur for a number of reasons. When this takes place, you may experience a certain amount of discomfort. You may even notice a temporary loss in your ability to hear. It’s no fun!
Because of this, some individuals imagine they have found what seems to be a natural and novel solution: ear candling. The idea is that a special hollow candle is put in your ear (non-burning end). Somehow, the blend 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 immediately noted that ear candling isn’t encouraged by healthcare professionals. Do ear candles actually draw wax out? No. There’s absolutely no evidence that ear candling works (especially not in the way that it’s claimed to work). In other words, most hearing and healthcare professionals will strongly recommend against ever utilizing this technique. (Does ear candling help with sinus pressure? Also no.)
Just listen to the FDA! (What is the FDA saying about ear candling? Basically, 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 individuals on the internet said it was safe! So, how can ear candling be dangerous?
Ear candling can, unfortunately, be quite hazardous and there’s no way to get around that! What negative impacts can ear candling have? Ear candling can impact your health in the following negative and potentially painful ways:
- The earwax can be crammed even further into your ear: In much the same way that pushing 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. In other words, ear candling can make your earwax problem worse! Other complications, from hearing loss to ear infections can also be the outcome.
- You could seriously burn your face: Look, whenever you’re holding candles that close to your face, there’s a good possibility you’ll get a burn. Accidents will happen! Serious burns on the face aren’t the only hazards, you could also catch your hair on fire or trickle hot wax into your eye.
- Your ear can be severely burned: The fire and the melting ear candle wax are very hot. If the tip of the candle or the wax goes into where it’s not supposed to, you’re facing some substantial burning possibilities in your ear (and your ear is a sensitive spot).
- You may accidentally pierce your eardrum: Whenever you insert something into your ear, you put yourself in danger! You may accidentally pierce your eardrum, creating substantial discomfort and harm to your hearing. If this happens it’s very likely that you will need to get professional assistance.
- You can leave candle wax behind in your ear: The candle wax can get into your ears even if you don’t get burned. Your hearing can become impacted from this, not to mention the uncomfortableness.
So, is ear candling approved by hearing healthcare professionals? Not at all! Not only is ear candling not practical, it’s actually very dangerous!
So how should you eliminate earwax?
Ear wax is usually rather healthy. In normal quantities, it’s good for your ears. It’s only when there’s an excessive amount of earwax (or it isn’t draining correctly) that you start to have issues. So what should you do if using a candle is a bad strategy?
Seek advice from a hearing specialist if you have a stubborn earwax blockage. They may recommend some at-home remedies (including using saline or mineral oil to loosen the wax, allowing it to kind of slide out on its own). But in some situations, they will perform a cleaning for you.
Hearing specialists have specific tools and training that let them clear away wax without damaging your ear.
It’s best to avoid things like ear candles and cotton swabs. Nothing smaller than your finger should be put into your ears unless advised by your hearing specialist or doctor.
Give your ears some relief
If surplus earwax is causing you a little discomfort or misery, you should make an appointment with us. We will be capable of helping 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
