Ear candles are an alternative technique for cleaning the ears using special candles. earwax that will rarely be cleaned bother comfort. To clean, many now choose to use ear candles or ear candles.But is aany side effects?
Ear candles are considered more practical and cleaner to remove earwax. These ear care providers also claim the use of ear candles can provide a relaxing effect and even they say that treatment with ear candles can cure sinusitis, sore throat, flu, vertigo, and hearing problems.
Unfortunately, there are no studies that say that this method is effective in cleaning earwax. In fact, several health articles mention that ear candles can cause earwax to go deeper and cause injury, both inside the ear and outside.
Risk Use of Ear Candles
The use of ear candles can cause injury or the risk of ear problems, including:
- Ear blockage by melted wax and causes surgery.
- Temporary hearing loss.
- Damage or perforation of the eardrum.
- The entry of ash into the eardrum.
- Burns to the eardrum and inner ear.
In addition, using ear candles as a tool to clean ear wax can also be harmful to the area around the ear. For example, the incidence of injuries caused by falling wax burning marks on the face, scalp, hair, and the outer ear canal. So far, experts also do not recommend using ear candles as a method for cleaning the ears, considering the risks outweigh the benefits.
Safe Ear Cleaning
It is important to know how to properly clean your ears. Earwax actually serves as a natural defense for the ear. Earwax can protect, clean, and lubricate the ear canal. In addition, ear wax can also inhibit the growth of bacteria and trap dirt in the ear. However, if too much or accumulate, this earwax can clog and make hearing impaired.
If you want to remove earwax, be careful not to allow the wax to get further into the ear.
If your earwax has hardened, there are several things you can do to make the wax softer and easier to remove. For example, add a few drops of baby oil, glycerin, or hydrogen peroxide. Do this method repeatedly. Usually, your earwax will soften within 48 hours.
You can also use warm water to clean the earwax that is already quite soft. Use a small spray or an old eye drop bottle to irrigate the ear canal. When spraying warm water, pull your earlobe to straighten the ear canal. Then, tilt your head the other way when you're done irrigating, so the water inside your ear can spill out. Then, clean the outside of the ear using a tissue or towel. If you are unsure about doing this procedure yourself, you can clean your ears with the help of a doctor.
If you've done this and find that ear wax still feels accumulated, try to have it checked by an ENT specialist. Remember not to pick the ear to remove the wax, as this can damage the ear and allow the wax to enter further.
To maintain general ear health, it is important to clean properly, and regularly visit an ENT specialist 1-2 times per year. However, if you experience some disturbing complaints in the ear, such as ear pain, hearing loss, or fluid coming out of the ear, immediately consult a doctor.