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Do Ear Wax Removal Candles Work?
Ear wax removal candles (or ear candling) are an alternative method for removing excess wax, however this process is not medically proven. In this informative blog post, we guide you through:
- What is an ear wax removal candle?
- The important role of wax
- How to safely remove ear wax
- Checking your hearing
What Are Ear Wax Removal Candles?
People are often tempted to use unconventional methods to clear their ears, such as ear candling. This is the process of using ear wax removal candles to treat the ears. This is an alternative treatment, which practitioners claim not only removes ear wax but also has a general positive effect over the body and mind.
Those who practice ear candling believe that the flame is able to create a vacuum that extracts the dead debris, parasites, mould, and cerumen from the ear. The hollow candle is made of a cloth soaked in wax and one of its ends is inserted into the external ear canal, while the other one is lit. The candle is usually held in an especially designed plate or plug, in order to provide some protection from the flame and the melting wax. This ongoing burning of flame and candle wax is believed to then cleanse the ear.
Although ear wax removal candles have their supporters, there is no medical proof that they have any positive effects over the ear. In fact some professionals consider it to be dangerous. Complications that can occur are quite serious and include:
- Eardrum perforation
- Burn damage to the delicate parts of the middle ear, as well as the outer ear and skin around
- Candle wax occlusion
The Important Role Of Wax
Earwax serves as a natural lubricant for the ears and actually protects them from dirt, small insects and sloughed skin cells. Many people are unaware of the important job of earwax and that earwax is a substance that is naturally found in the ear, aiding in its smooth functioning.
A healthy ear will produce enough of the substance to clean itself and usually it does not cause any discomfort for the person. The sebaceous glands located inside the ear are responsible for the regular production of a certain amount of cerumen, which later spontaneously disseminates out of the outer ear. In some cases, however, too much ear wax can be produced or it may become dry and clog the ear canal, causing infections, ringing in the ears, as well as conductive hearing loss. In this case, if you don't treat the condition in time, it may lead to complications.
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How To Safely Remove Ear Wax
Ear wax removal needs to be performed only with medically proven remedies and after a consultation with an audiologist. Our blog post "How to get rid of Earwax at home" has all the help you need.
In Hearing Direct's catalogue, you will find a specially selected range of ear hygiene products.
Earpal Ear Wax Remover
The Earpal ear wax removal tool is one of the safest wax extraction tools on the market. Due to its expert design, the Earpal wax remover cannot touch or perforate the eardrum, not even by accident. As a result, your ears and hearing will avoid damage during the ear cleaning process.
It is also safer than cotton buds. In some cases, it may be recommended to remove an excess buildup of cerumen which is causing a blockage. Keeping the ear too "clean", however, can actually make it dry, irritated and itchy. This is especially true if you try to clean your ears using incorrect tools.
On the other hand, trying to clean the substance by sticking different objects, such as cotton buds in the ear, holds the potential risk of accidentally penetrating your eardrum. Even worse, instead of removing the ear wax, this action can actually push it further into the ear canal. If you are experiencing ear discomfort for any reason such as wax or an infection, we advise you to consult with a medical professional. We do not recommend an ear wax removal candle.
When Did You Last Check Your Hearing?
If you haven't checked your hearing recently, you may wish to take our online hearing test. Wax build-up may cause hearing to become 'muffled' so you could be exploring professional practices, home remedies or an ear wax removal candle.
To get an up-to-date status on your hearing, our check is free, takes a few minutes, and you will receive your results instantly.
Again, we strongly advise you to consult with medical practitioners or audiologists if you have concerns.
About Hearing Direct
We are one of the world's leading hearing aid specialists. HearingDirect offers a wide range of affordable products, and information resources to help improve the quality of life for the hard of hearing. We sell:
- Hearing aids,
- Batteries,
- Accessories such as earplugs,
- and amplified devices such as super loud alarm clocks and amplified phones.