DIY is all the rage these days and everyone likes a quick easy fix. Sink Leaking? Just search YouTube for the right plumbing tutorial, buy the recommended 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.

At least, until your sink begins leaking again. That’s because in some cases the skill and experience of a professional can’t be effectively 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 frequently continue to look for “easy” DIY-fixes for intricate problems, which may help explain the popularity of something known as ear candling (or, in some cases, earwax candling). It sounds… kind of gross, right? So, just what is ear candling, and how is it probably not the best thing ever? Well, let’s dig into that.

What is ear candling?

Have you ever had a stuffy-ear kind of feeling? In some cases, your ear will fill with mucus when you’re sick. An excessive amount of earwax can also trigger this feeling and that can occur for a number of reasons. When this occurs, you might experience a certain amount of discomfort. Your hearing may even temporarily go. It’s no fun!

Because of this, some individuals think they have found what seems to be a natural and novel option: ear candling. The idea is that a special hollow candle is placed in your ear (non-burning end). Somehow, the mix of heat and the hollow design of the candle alters the air pressure inside of your ear canal, drawing the earwax or mucus out.

It should be quickly noted that ear candling isn’t recommended by healthcare professionals. Do ear candles really draw wax out? No. There’s absolutely no evidence that ear candling is effective (especially not in the way that it’s supposed to work). In other words, the vast majority of hearing and healthcare professionals will strongly recommend against ever using this practice. (Does ear candling help with sinus pressure? Also no.)

The FDA also firmly advises against this approach.

The drawbacks of ear candling

Ear candling may feel safe, initially. It’s a really small flame. And you’re utilizing “specialized” equipment. And there are plenty of people online who maintain that it’s completely safe. So how could it be possible for ear candling to be dangerous?

Sadly, there’s no mistaking the fact that ear candling can be downright hazardous. What negative affects can ear candling have? Ear candling can affect your health in the following negative and potentially painful ways:

• You can severely burn your ear: Fire is hot, melting wax is too. If the tip of the candle or the wax goes into where it’s not supposed to, you’re looking at some substantial burning possibilities in your ear (and your ear is a sensitive spot).
• The earwax can be crammed even further into your ear: Putting an ear candle into your ear can actually force earwax further into the ear canal much like when you utilize a cotton swab. Your earwax issue can be worsened by earwax candling, in other words! This can lead to all sorts of other complications from hearing loss to serious infections.
• Your face could be severely burned: There’s always a pretty good possibility that if you’re holding a flame up near your ear, you might burn your face. Accidents will happen! Serious burns on the face are not the only hazards, you could also catch your hair on fire or drip hot wax into your eye.
• Your ear can have residual candle wax left behind: Even if you don’t get burned, surplus ear candle wax can get left behind in your ears. This leftover wax can cause significant discomfort and, eventually, affect your hearing.
• Your Eardrum may accidentally get pierced: There’s a risk that comes with pushing anything in your ears! You may accidentally puncture your eardrum, creating considerable discomfort and damage to your hearing. Frequently, this is something that has to be addressed by a hearing professional.

So, is ear candling approved by hearing healthcare professionals? No… not even a little! Not only is ear candling not practical, it’s actually very dangerous!

A better way to Tackle earwax

Earwax is actually a good thing. It’s good for your ears in normal quantities. Issues begin when there’s an overabundance of earwax or when it won’t properly drain. So… if you can’t utilize a burning candle to remove earwax, what should you do?

Talk to a hearing specialist if you have a persistent earwax blockage. Usually, they will recommend that you try some at-home solutions, such as a saline wash, to soften the wax allowing it to drip out by itself. But in some circumstances, they will do a cleaning for you.

We can remove the wax safely with specialty tools and training.

Generally, you should stay away from techniques such as utilizing cotton swabs and earwax candling. Nothing smaller than your finger should be put into your ears unless advised by your hearing specialist or physician.

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.

Call Today to Set Up an Appointment

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