Ear wax can be very annoying sometimes, isn't it? It can make your ears feel heavy, and sometimes you can't hear well. So, when you're looking for a solution to this, you might have heard of a strange method. It involves putting a candle in your ear and lighting it to remove all the wax from your ears. This is a very popular method on social media and in some spas. According to them, this not only removes ear wax, but also cures many other diseases. But does it really work? Is there any danger in it? Today, let's talk about what is called 'Ear Candling'.
What is this Ear Candling?
Okay, first let's see how to make this. These aren't regular candles. These are candles made from wax or paraffin-soaked cloth, shaped like a cone with a hollow inside.
It seems like a very simple procedure. You lie on your side. Then you put the thin end of this special candle inside your ear. To stop wax or ash from falling on your face, you usually put a paper plate with a hole in the middle and put the candle through it. Then you have a trusted person light the thick end of the candle. Let it burn for about 10 to 15 minutes, then do the same for the other ear.
Proponents of this method tell amazing stories. They say that when the candle burns, a small suction force is created inside the ear, pulling out all the dirt and bacteria. Others say that the heat from the candle melts the hardened dirt and it comes out on its own within the next few days.
They also say that when you break the candle after the work is done, you can see a lot of yellow and brown dirt inside. That's what they're showing you, all the dirt and toxins that were in your ear.
Another thing they say is that the pathways in our head (ears, nose, throat) are all interconnected, so when we clean our ears, the whole head is cleansed and we feel very relaxed.
What is the medical truth?
While these stories may sound like a very peaceful and easy method, the scientific truth behind them is quite different. Let's see if these stories are true one by one. The best way to do this is to compare what they say with the scientific truth.
| The Claim | The Medical Fact |
|---|---|
| The candle creates suction and pulls out the dirt. | Studies have clearly shown that no force is generated during this process . It takes a lot of force to pull out dirt stuck in the ear, and this does not do that at all. |
| The heat of the candle melts the earwax. | When we measure the temperature produced by a candle, it is lower than our body temperature . Such low heat does not melt dirt like thick earwax. |
| The candle contains earwax. | This is the biggest myth. When tested, even if you just light a candle that is not placed near your ear, that kind of dirt will build up inside it. In reality, it's just burnt wax and bits of cloth. |
| All the pathways in the head are interconnected. | This is a complete misconception. Our ears have strong barriers inside, such as the eardrum . Therefore, there is no direct connection from the inside of the ear to the rest of the head. |
So what are the possible dangers of this?
Okay, now you probably understand that this is useless. But the story doesn't end there. Not only is this useless, it can also be very dangerous.
- Burns: Holding a lit candle close to your face is a real risk. Either from the flame or from the hot wax dripping down, you can burn your face, neck, or hair. Imagine what a little wind can do.
- Earwax leakage: Melted earwax can get into the ear and clog it. This can cause temporary hearing loss and ear pain.
- Punctured Eardrum: There have been reports of the eardrum being punctured after this procedure. This is a very serious condition. This may even require surgery.
- A waste of money: Even at its best, this is just a useless and wasteful way to remove earwax.
World-renowned medical institutions, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have not approved it for any medical use, and have even issued warnings to those who manufacture it.
So how do you safely remove earwax?
First of all, we need to understand that earwax is not a disease. It is something that is produced naturally to protect our ears. It stops things like dust and insects from entering the ear. Normally, these things come out of the ear on their own.
But sometimes these can accumulate too much and become too tight, blocking the ear. Then the ear hurts, hearing decreases, and it feels like something is stuck in the ear. That's when we need to remove it.
Never put anything inside your ear like sticks, cotton buds, keys, or hairpins to remove dirt! Doing so will push the dirt further in, making the problem worse. You may even damage the eardrum.
The safest ways are:
1. Seek medical advice: If you have a problem with earwax, the best thing to do is to see your doctor . He or she can examine your ear and safely remove the wax. This may involve using special instruments or a method such as ear irrigation.
2. Using Ear Drops: There are ear drops that can be purchased at pharmacies to dissolve earwax. However, it is best to consult your doctor before using these. Because these are not suitable for some people (e.g. those with a perforated eardrum).
3. Simple things you can do at home: On medical advice, you can put a few drops of water or hydrogen peroxide in your ear, tilt your head to that side for a few minutes, then turn it to the other side to allow the fluid and dirt to drain out.
So, next time you're cutting a cake, don't use candles to clean your ears.
Take-Home Message
- Ear candling is a myth that has no scientific basis and is used to remove ear wax.
- This method is very dangerous. It can cause serious injuries such as burns, earwax getting into the ear, and eardrum damage.
- The dirt you see inside the candle is not what came from the ear, it's just burnt wax and fabric.
- Never use cotton buds or other sharp objects to clean your ears.
- If you are experiencing discomfort due to earwax, the best and safest thing to do is to talk to your doctor and get the right treatment.
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