Many people believe that ear candling is an ideal way to remove wax from your ears but is it safe? There are various claims related to this process, and in this article, we will be discussing specific facts before you use this method on yourself.
Also known by the term ear coning, ear candling is a process in which a cone-shaped lit candle is placed into the ear. It is not a new method; instead, it has been used by people since ancient times. The wax accumulated in the ears was pulled out with the help of the heat coming from the lit candle.
1. Study the benefits of this practice:
Various manufacturers of ear candles claim that they can even help people cure some kinds of cancer, but no research conducted can prove such benefits. However, based on the producer’s belief, we have listed some of the benefits of ear candling below.
- Helps in providing relief to sore throats
- Treat flu and cold
- Purify blood
- Improve mental health
- Removes wax, or any other debris from the ear passage
- Improves vision
- Reduces stress and tension
- Provides relief from jaw pain
- Prevents hearing loss
2. Is it safe to use the ear candling method?
According to the FDA, it is not a safe method for removing wax or any other debris from the ear because it can have some severe side effects. Since 2010, they have been spreading this warning among people to stop using this practice.
In some report conducted in 2016, it had been found that a 16-year-old kid who rehearsed ear candling for sensitivities began to encounter torment in his ear and loss of hearing power. A doctor checked the case and eliminated different bits of candle residual from his eardrum.
FDA has even been sending warnings to the producers of such candles to stop their importing. If you don’t want to risk your health, then you should not opt for this practice.
3. Risks related to the ear candling practice:
Significant well being specialists, for example, the FDA, have cautioned of the risks of ear candles for quite a while. The risk factor is more in children because they keep moving while the procedure is being done, due to which there are high chances for the hot wax to fall on the sensitive parts of the ear. Some of the significant risks related to this practice are:
- Burning of the eardrum, face, neck, or the ear canal if the hot wax accidentally falls on these parts
- Bleeding
- Blockage of the ear passage
- Can damage the middle ear
- Can lead to loss of hearing power
- Develops otitis externa
- Can puncture the eardrum
- Can cause accidental fires
4. Safe way to remove earwax:
Ears are a delicate part of our body, and we have to be extra careful while picking up the right way to clean the earwax. As already mentioned, ear candles are not the safest option for removing earwax, then how can you remove them?
It would be helpful to use simple ear drops or add a couple of drops of water or hydrogen peroxide down your ear channel. Allow it to deplete into the wax for a couple of moments, then, at that point, turn on your side to let the fluid and wax come out.
