Ear Candles: Are They Worth Trying?

If you’ve ever heard of ear candles, you might be curious about what they are and if they actually work. Ear candles are long, hollow cones made of fabric, usually coated in wax. People use them to try to remove earwax or other things from their ears. But are they safe, and do they really help?

Let’s take a closer look.

What Are Ear Candles?

Ear candles are about 10 to 12 inches long and are lit on one end. The other end is placed in the ear. The idea is that the heat from the flame will create suction, pulling out earwax and other debris from the ear. Some people believe ear candles can also help with sinus problems, headaches, and even hearing issues.

How Do People Use Them?

To use an ear candle, someone lies on their side, and the pointed end of the candle is gently placed into the ear. The other end is lit on fire, and the candle burns for about 10 to 15 minutes. After the candle burns down, it’s removed, and the ashes are put out in water.

Some people claim that after using ear candles, they see a lot of earwax inside the candle. They think this means the ear candle worked to clean their ears. But is this really true?

Do Ear Candles Really Work?

The short answer is no, ear candles do not work. Scientific studies have shown that ear candles don’t actually remove earwax from the ear canal. The wax you might see inside the candle is from the candle itself, not from your ear.

In fact, ear candles can make earwax problems worse. Instead of pulling wax out, the candle can push earwax deeper into your ear, which can block your ear canal and cause more problems.

Are Ear Candles Safe?

Not only do ear candles not work, but they can also be dangerous. Here are some risks of using ear candles:

1. Burns: Since you’re holding a lit candle close to your head, there’s a high risk of getting burned. The hot wax from the candle can drip and burn your skin, and the flame can also cause hair or clothing to catch fire.
2. Infections: If ear wax or other debris gets pushed further into your ear, it can lead to infections. Ear infections can be painful and may even affect your hearing.
3. Damage to the Ear: Inserting anything into your ear can damage the sensitive skin inside. If the candle is placed too deep, it can hurt your eardrum or ear canal.
4. Hearing Loss: If you push earwax deeper into your ear or burn your eardrum, it can lead to hearing problems. These problems might not go away, even after seeing a doctor.

What’s a Better Way to Clean Your Ears?

It’s important to remember that your ears are good at cleaning themselves. In most cases, you don’t need to do anything to remove earwax. The wax moves out on its own over time and falls out of your ear naturally.

But if you do have a lot of ear wax buildup, there are safe ways to clean your ears:

• Visit an Audiologist: Audiologists are ear specialists who can safely remove ear wax. They use tools like special drops or tiny instruments to clean your ears without hurting them. Ontario Hearing Center connects you to the best audiologists in Rochester, NY.
• Use Ear Drops: Over-the-counter ear drops can help soften ear wax, making it easier for the wax to come out on its own. Ask your audiologist if ear drops are a good option for you.
• Irrigation: Some doctors use gentle irrigation to flush out ear wax with water. This method should only be done by a professional to avoid damaging your ears.

What Should You Do If You’re Worried About Ear Wax?

If you feel like you have too much ear wax or if your ears feel blocked, it’s always best to see an audiologist. They can check your ears and let you know if you need to have the wax removed.

Trying to clean your ears at home with things like ear candles can cause more harm than good. It’s much safer to trust an audiologist with your ear care.

Conclusion: Are Ear Candles Worth Trying?

No, ear candles are not worth trying. They don’t remove ear wax, and they can actually cause serious problems like burns, infections, or hearing loss. If you’re worried about ear wax buildup, it’s better to see an audiologist who can perform professional ear wax removal.

Taking care of your ears is important, and ear candles are not a safe or effective way to do it.

If you have concerns about your hearing, make an appointment with our clinic today.

Ontario Hearing Center connects you to the best audiologists in Rochester, NY.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment!