Ear candling is a controversial practice that involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and lighting it, supposedly to remove wax buildup and improve hearing. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the efficacy of ear candling. In fact, it can be dangerous and cause serious injury, including burns, hearing loss, and eardrum perforation. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery strongly advises against using ear candles, as there are safer and more effective ways to clean your ears, such as ear drops, irrigation, or manual removal by a medical professional.
Ear candling is a popular method used by many people to remove ear wax, but does it actually work? According to recent studies, the answer appears to be no.
There is no scientific evidence that ear candling effectively removes ear wax. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of how ear candling works and what other methods are available for removing excess wax buildup.
What You'll Learn
Overview Of Ear Candling
Ear candling is a centuries-old technique used to remove ear wax and other debris from the ears. This method involves inserting a hollow candle, usually made of beeswax or paraffin, into one’s ear canal and then lighting it. The heat created by the burning candle draws out any built up wax as well as toxins that have accumulated in the ear.
There are various types of candles available on the market for this purpose, but they all generally follow the same principle. Depending on your particular needs and situation, you may choose a different type of candle tailored specifically to help with your problem areas. Additionally, depending on how much wax has built up in your ears and its consistency, you can determine which type of candle might be best suited for your individual need.
Despite claims that using an earcandle will draw out excess wax buildup within the ear canal, there is no scientific evidence to support these assertions. While many people report improved hearing after undergoing an ear candling session, most medical professionals agree that this could simply be due to a placebo effect rather than actual physical results produced by the procedure itself.
Furthermore, some experts believe that even if some form of benefit were gained through this practice, it would likely come at too high a risk given possible side effects associated with incorrect use or poorly manufactured products. Moving forward we’ll take a look at what risks may be associated with using an earcandle…
Ear Candling Risks
As we have discussed, ear candling is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries in the hopes of removing excess wax build-up. However, it’s important to remember that there is no scientific evidence supporting its efficacy as a method of cleaning and clearing out cerumen buildup. Therefore, before attempting this procedure at home or visiting a practitioner, one needs to consider the risks associated with it.
The main risk associated with ear candling is ototoxicity, which can cause hearing loss or tinnitus if not handled correctly. The heat generated during the process could also potentially burn the inside of the eardrum – leading to infection and further long-term damage if left untreated.
Finally, while some people believe that a “vacuum effect” occurs due to suction created by burning the candle wax, this simply isn’t true; any air pressure created would be too weak to remove anything from deep within your ears.
It’s vital that you understand these risks before considering using ear candling as a means of treating earwax blockage. If done incorrectly or without proper medical supervision, this technique could lead to serious health issues down the road.
With all of this being said, let us now discuss alternative methods for dealing with excessive wax accumulation in our next section…
Alternatives To Ear Candling
If ear candling is not your preferred method for removing wax, there are a few other options available. Over the counter treatments, home remedies, and medical procedures can all be used as alternatives to this practice.
One option includes using over-the-counter medications such as earwax softeners or irrigators. These products contain active ingredients that help soften the wax in order to make it easier to remove without causing any damage to the ears. Additionally, some of these products may require a doctor’s prescription if they have stronger doses or concentrations of active ingredients.
Home remedies can also be utilized when trying to get rid of excess wax buildup. Some common methods include using mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide, baby oil, or glycerin drops 1-2 times daily until symptoms resolve. It is important to note that while home remedies are generally safe and effective, they should only be used after consulting with a healthcare professional first.
Moreover, depending on the severity of wax build up in the ear canal, a doctor might recommend performing an irrigation procedure or suctioning out impacted wax from the ear canal instead of relying solely on over-the-counter products or home remedies. Though more invasive than other methods mentioned previously, this approach provides quick relief from Wax blockage and prevents further accumulation of debris within the ear canal.
Transitioning into DIY (do it yourself) ear wax removal techniques would therefore be beneficial for those looking for additional information regarding alternative ways to manage their condition safely and effectively at home without having to see a doctor every time they experience discomfort due to excessive wax buildup in their ears.
Diy Ear Wax Removal
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, impaction or buildup of ear wax is very common and affects about 6 in 10 people.
This can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, fullness in the ear, itching or pain inside your ear canal.
DIY ear wax removal is a popular practice but it should be done cautiously as improper techniques can result in ototoxicity symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo.
There are several home remedies for removing excess wax from your ears which include oil drops, hydrogen peroxide solution and over-the-counter kits.
However, all these methods are ineffective at reaching deep impacted cerumen (wax) so they may not provide complete relief.
It is also important to take preventive measures when attempting to remove the wax yourself such as using soft instruments like cotton swabs that do not go too far into the ear canal.
It’s best to consult with an audiologist if you experience any discomfort while removing the build up on your own.
Professional Wax Removal
While DIY ear wax removal can be effective in some cases, it is important to know when professional help is necessary.
Ear hygiene and wax prevention are essential for a healthy ear canal –– with regular cleaning helping to remove any built-up wax before it becomes an issue.
Professional wax removal should always be sought out if the amount of wax buildup is severe or if you experience any pain or discomfort in your ears.
If you find yourself seeking out earwax services more frequently than normal, there may be underlying problems that need attention.
The first step would be to visit an audiologist who will evaluate your hearing health and perform a thorough examination of your inner ear using specialized instruments called otoscopes.
They can then advise on the best course of action for removing the excess earwax safely and effectively without damaging the delicate structures inside your ear canal.
It’s also wise to take preventative steps to ensure excessive wax buildup doesn’t become a problem again in future.
Incorporating regular cleansing sessions at home into your routine as well as avoiding certain items such as cotton swabs from entering deep within your ears are great ways to maintain good ear hygiene and keep wax accumulation under control.
Moving forward, these practices will go a long way towards protecting your hearing health in the long term.
How To Prevent Ear Wax Buildup
The warm, cloying sensation of earwax blunting your hearing is a discomfort that many people can relate to. For those who suffer from frequent buildups and blocked ears, it may seem like an unending cycle of wax buildup followed by cleaning. The key to preventing this cycle lies in proper earwax hygiene.
Good earwax hygiene starts with prevention. Avoid the use of cotton swabs or other objects inside the ear canal as these can push wax further into the ear and cause blockages. If you must clean your outer ear, use a damp cloth and gently wipe around the outside but avoid sticking anything too far into the inner part of the ear.
Additionally, avoiding putting excess water in your ears when showering or swimming will help keep them dry and prevent new wax from forming.
When necessary, there are safe ways to remove existing wax such as using over-the-counter eardrops or seeing a doctor for manual removal if needed. But following basic steps like keeping ears free of debris, avoiding inserting foreign objects into them and maintaining good overall health habits will go a long way towards keeping your ears healthy and clear all year round!
Conclusion
It is clear that ear candling has no scientific evidence to support its use as an effective way of removing wax from the ears.
The risks associated with this practice make it a dangerous option, and there are far safer alternatives available.
Therefore, while using symbolism to engage the audience, I urge you to be proactive in protecting your hearing health by avoiding ear candling and opting for professional or DIY methods instead.
You’ll reap the rewards of taking precautionary measures now – both for your current comfort and for your long-term auditory wellbeing.