The Dangers of Ear Candling

Earwax is natural, normal, and it’s actually something that helps you rather than harms you. It helps trap debris and stops germs from forming in your ear canal. But if you don’t clean your ears frequently, or if your ears naturally generate a lot of wax, it can pile up and obstruct your ear canal. It’s normal to want to rid your ears of that wax. But, there are proper and incorrect methods to accomplish it.

Some individuals employ a procedure called “ear candling” to attempt to get rid of wax. But, this practice isn’t safe. And it isn’t an effective approach to clear earwax. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Ear Candling?

Some people buy ear candle kits or candles to use at home on themselves. Or, someone like an aesthetician at a spa or similar place can do the service for you. There, you can lie on your side or on your back with your head turned to the side. Then, the aesthetician puts a long, hollow cone covered in wax (the “candle”) into the opening of your ear. They then light the end of the candle that is sticking out of your ear and let it burn about halfway down. It takes between 10 and 15 minutes to do that. Then they blow out the flame and take the candle out of your ear.

Some people say that the heat from the candle creates suction, which pulls the earwax out of the ear and into the hollow part of the candle. Some people think that the heat melts the earwax, which makes it easier for it to come out of the ear on its own later, like when taking a shower.

Is Ear Candling Effective?

The answer is a straightforward no. Ear candling is not effective. 

Ear candling is not an efficient method for removing earwax from the ear canal. There is no evidence that the heat from the candle creates suction that pulls earwax out of your ear, according to the studies that have been done on this topic. Additionally, the temperature of your interior body is already greater than the temperature of the candle that is burning. Because the wax is already in a liquid or semi-liquid state, the heat generated by the candle would not be sufficient to cause it to melt further.

Ear candling could also be used for various purposes, such as the relief of sinus discomfort, ringing in the ear (also known as tinnitus), or vertigo in certain persons. However, there is little evidence that it is effective in addressing any of those concerns.

Is Ear Candling Safe? 

Unfortunately, despite several personal claims, studies have shown that ear candling can cause serious harm.

• When carrying out ear candling:
• Your ear canal, eardrum, face, hair, or scalp could get burned.
• Wax from candles could go into your ear canal.
• Cause holes in your eardrum, which are also called punctures or perforations.
• Push wax deeper into your ear, which can lead to a buildup of wax that needs medical treatment.

There has never been a study that shows ear candling is good for your health. This is one reason why doctors don’t recommend it, along with the risk of getting hurt.

How Can You Remove Wax Yourself? 

Most of the time, all you need to do to get rid of extra earwax is take a shower and gently dry the outside of your ears. But if your inner ears feel dirty or you think you have too much wax, you may need to see a hearing professional. While most individuals don’t have to deal with an abundance of earwax, these are the common symptoms you may need to have it removed:

• Muffled speech
• A clogged feeling in your ears
• A pain or discomfort in the ears
• Trouble hearing suddenly
• Balance disruption

It is crucial that you don’t try to remedy an earwax impaction at home. Don’t try to “dig out” earwax with cotton swabs, hair pins or anything else. You could damage your eardrum or make the impaction worse by pushing the wax deeper into your ear canal.

The best thing to do if you feel you need to have earwax removed is to see a hearing specialist for assistance. The audiologists at GL Wyeno Hearing Specialists PC are ready and available to address any of your concerns regarding earwax impactions, hearing loss and treatments for these conditions. You can reach the staff by calling (402) 463-2431 and scheduling an appointment.