DIY is all the rage these days and everybody appreciates a quick easy fix. Sink Leaking? Just search YouTube for the suitable plumbing tutorial, buy the suggested tools, and go to work! 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 by yourself.
But that feeling only lasts until your sink starts leaking again. That’s because sometimes 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 case. And, in part, that’s why people will often continue to look for “easy” DIY-fixes for intricate problems, which might help explain the popularity of something called ear candling (or, sometimes, earwax candling). It doesn’t really sound very appealing, does it? So, exactly what is ear candling, and how is it probably not the best thing ever? Well, let’s dig into that.
Ear candling – what is it?
Have you ever had a stuffy-ear kind of feeling? In some cases, your ear will fill with mucus when you’re ill. In other situations, it might occur because you have a surplus of earwax in your ears (and surplus earwax can have any number of causes). This can sometimes be really uncomfortable. Your hearing may even temporarily go. It’s not fun!
Some people, because of this, think that ear candling is just the inexpensive and novel fix they need. The idea is that a special hollow candle is placed in your ear (non-burning end). People believe that the wax and mucus are drawn out by the combination of heat and pressure changes in your ear.
It should be quickly mentioned that ear candling is not encouraged by healthcare professionals. If you’re searching for evidence that ear candling actually works and draws out wax, you won’t find any. Essentially, most hearing and healthcare professionals will strongly advocate against ever using this approach. 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!)
The drawbacks of ear candling
Initially, ear candling may seem completely safe. It’s just a tiny flame. And the “equipment” is specialized. And individuals on the internet claimed it was safe! So, how could ear candling be harmful?
Ear candling can, unfortunately, be really dangerous 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:
- You may accidentally pierce your eardrum: Whenever you insert something into your ear, you put yourself at risk! Your hearing will suffer substantial harm and discomfort if you end up puncturing your eardrum. If this takes place it’s very likely that you will have to get professional help.
- The earwax can be crammed even further into your ear: Inserting an ear candle into your ear can actually jam earwax further into the ear canal much like when you use a cotton swab. Your earwax issue can be worsened by earwax candling, in other words! This can cause all kinds of other complications from hearing loss to serious infections.
- Your face could be severely burned: There’s always a fairly good possibility that if you’re holding a flame up by your ear, you might burn your face. Accidents will happen! It’s all too easy for candle wax to trickle into your eyes or for your hair to catch on fire or for your face to get seriously burned.
- You can cause severe burns to your ear: Fire is hot, melting wax is too. If the candle tips or the wax gets 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 residual candle wax drip in there: 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? No… not even a little bit! Not only is ear candling not helpful, it’s actually very dangerous!
So how should you eliminate earwax?
Earwax is actually a good thing. It’s helpful for your ears in normal quantities. Problems start when there’s too much earwax or when it won’t properly drain. So what should you do if utilizing a candle is a bad idea?
Consult a hearing specialist if you have a stubborn earwax blockage. They might suggest some at-home solutions (such as using saline or mineral oil to soften the wax, allowing it to kind of run out by itself). But they might also clean out your ear during your visit.
Hearing specialists have special tools and training that let them clear away wax without damaging your ear.
It’s best to steer clear of things like ear candles and cotton swabs. Nothing smaller than your finger should be put into your ears unless directed by your hearing specialist or doctor.
Give your ears some relief
If accumulated earwax is causing you a little discomfort or distress, 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
