Ear candles are hollow fabric cones wrapped in paraffin wax, beeswax, or soy wax. The majority of ear candles are approximately a foot long. The candle’s pointed end is inserted into your ear, while the slightly broader end is lit.
According to practitioners of this therapy, the warmth provided by the flame generates suction. Earwax and other pollutants are drawn out of the ear canal and into the hollow candle by the suction.
To prepare for the therapy, you rest on your side with one ear pointing down. The practitioner places the pointed end of the candle into the open hole of the ear and adjusts it to form a seal.
Take note that, you should not execute the process on yourself since it is risky. A circular guard of some kind is usually put around two-thirds of the way down the candle to catch any dropping wax. These are frequently composed of thin aluminium foil or paper plates.
For further safety, cautious practitioners will wrap a cloth around your head and neck. In addition, guidelines recommend keeping the candle straight so that any drippings run down the side rather than into the ear or into the face.
The candle is left to burn for 10 to 15 minutes. During that time, the burned area of the cloth is meant to be clipped to keep it from contaminating the tube. The operation is repeated until only 3 to 4 inches of the candle remains. The flame is then gently extinguished. Blowing it out while it’s still in the ear might send dangerous scorching ash flying.
Are ear candles effective?
First and foremost, let it be said that there is much to be said for some homeopathic therapies. In fact, if ear drops are too abrasive for your skin, we recommend applying olive oil to dissolve hardened earwax.
But we just cannot endorse ear candles, and many ear professionals agree. There are several photographs on the internet showcasing the insides of ear candles that have ‘wax’ inside.
Unfortunately, evidence does not support the claims made by ear candle manufacturers that they may eliminate wax, aid with tinnitus, sinus difficulties, and other ear, nose, and throat diseases.
In fact, research has shown that candle wax is more likely to be transferred in the ear than earwax to be removed.
Despite efforts to duplicate the suction that ear candles promise, a research found no detectable change in patients or evidence of such suction, as well as no subsequent clearance of earwax.
Are ear candles harmful to your health?
Simply said, ear candles may do serious harm to your ears and face. However, there are no regulations in the UK or Ireland, the FDA (America’s Food and Drug Administration) is concerned about ear candles.
The FDA, and its Canadian colleagues at the regulatory body Health Canada, have worked hard to restrict the production of ear candles since makers haven’t produced proof that they are ‘safe and effective’.
Burns to the face and ears are common complaints, as is candle wax plugging the ear and hot wax sticking to the eardrum, causing lasting damage.
Safer Alternatives
If you prefer not to perform ear candling, here are some safer options. It will ensure your safety and protection in these methods.
Softening Drops
If you’re looking for a home treatment for eliminating earwax, forget the ear wax candles in exchange for a bottle of earwax softening drops. While they may only be administered if there is no damage to the eardrum, they are a significantly safer alternative to ear candles.
These drops are non-invasive and act to soften and dissolve the wax buildup. Softening drops are available from your local pharmacist. We recommend using a chemical grade olive oil or, if available, Ear Clear.
Micro Suction
Manual removal of ear wax using expert micro suction is the finest alternative for safe, dependable, and efficient removal. Qualified nurses remove wax from the ear canal with small devices and gentle suctions that do not harm the canal wall or eardrum.
The treatment usually gives immediate relief from clogged ear symptoms, and experts will consequently educate you on how to avoid repeat blockages. Ensure to see the best person to assist you!
