how do ear candles work and are they dangerous?

Question

I have an ear that is stopped up but am hearing TV or music in triplicate. My hearing aid doesn't seem to help in or out. Not being able to watch a move or any noise for that is in triplicate and is interferring with my life.

Answer 1

Ear candles work by creating a vacuum in your ear canal and gently suctioning the wax out.

The danger in ear candling is obvious...you have to make sure your head is covered with a wet towel in case the candle drops on your head whenever the person doing this for you cuts off the flaming part...and you should have some protection around your face...I use a disposable aluminum pie pan with a hole cut out the size of the candle...that way, drippings hit the pan.

As for the process...there's no danger in it...but overcandling can lead to "raw" ear canals.

They make an oil to put in your ear 24 hours before candling which GREATLY helps soothe the ear canal and make wax extraction easier.

Answer 2

If you have insurance or can afford to - go see an Ear Nose Throat doctor (also called otolaryngologist or ENT for short) that is the safest and smartest thing to do. Most likely he will prescribe an ear flush for you that works very well.

Additionally, hearing in triplicate could be a symptom of nerve inflammtion or other ailment that can be tested for fairly easily by a physician. Odds are it's nothing, but "better safe than sorry."

Answer 3

I've used ear candles a few times and prefer them then getting my ears flushed at the doctors. Basically the heat from the hollow candles draws up wax and impurities. My boyfriend has really bad hearing in his right ear from wearing a ear piece at work and working in bars (loud music) and I suggested ear candling. He said he would hear a bit better after wards. The only real danger is the fire. If you do it at home, make sure there's nothing around that could catch fire or there aren't animals or kids running around while you are doing it. Some alternative medicine clinics also offer it. I highly recommend it. It's worth a shot anyways.

Answer 4

Many people do have good results with this. This should, however be done by a licensed health practitioner like an accupuncturist or chiropractor. This can remove build up from the ears but can pose the possibility for damage as the other poster mentioned, using a q-tip can damage your ear. I find it interesting that there are so many harmful side effects, injuries, illnesses and deaths caused by pharmaceutical drugs and medical procedures done by doctors. Far more than you will ever find in natural health care. Natural health care has been around far longer than allopathic medicine yet when there is a problem that arises from a natural procedure it is branded "new age foolishness" and people want to make it illegal. Should we then make allopathic medicine illegal and call it "new age foolishness"? It is a much newer modality. It is never a good thing when people suffer and tragic when their suffering is increased by the failure of something or someone that they trusted would help them. I am a person who has been failed many times by western medicine, in ways that could have ended my life and that did seriously reduce the quality of my life, yet I still believe that it is valid and useful in some cases. I have had my life saved and the quality of life improved by natural health alternatives, yet I know they have limitations. We do not live in a world of simple black and white answers and our bodies pose us some very complicated questions. It is out job to educate ourselves and to so some research and interviewing of various practitioners medical and alternative when making choices about our health. In this world of law suits and excessive regulation, with so little focus on personal responsibility, it is personal responsibility that we need most.

Answer 5

When the ear candles are lit, the smoke moves the wax out of the ear canal, but don't be fooled, the stuff left in the candle after it was burnt for a while, only a fraction of it is actual wax. They are generally not dangerous, the instructions are on the package. Somebody has to be there to do it, you can not do it yourself because the person has to be laying down on their side.

Answer 6

I use Harmony Ear Candles in my aesthetic/make-up artistry practice and took this directly from their site. They DO help and there are video's you can purchase that will show you how to do it properly. I would also encourage you to purchase a kit that includes a flame retardant cloth for your hair and face JUST in case. I also wouldn't attempt it alone.

If you have any questions, drop an email. Hope your ear feels better soon!
Directions

Before using Ear Candles, read the instructions below and see our video demonstrating the Ear Candling process.
First, gather the following:

* Ear Candle(s)
* A glass of water
* Paper plate
* Matches
* Q-Tips
* A second person

Then,

1. proper ear candling with two people, a paper plate, a glass of water (see directions)Cut a cross in the center of the paper plate big enough to put the small end of the candle in snugly. Push the candle far enough through the plate so it can be placed in your ear.
2. Lie on your side and pull the hair away from your ear.
3. Light the Ear Candle and while gently holding the candle between your fingers, place the small end of the Ear Candle in your ear ensuring it is well seated in your ear.
4. Allow the ear candle to slant naturally, following the angle of the ear canal.
5. When the candle has burned down 6", take the candle out of your ear and extinguish the flame in the glass of water.
6. Clean the outside of the ear with the Q-tip and if you like, massage a couple of drops of Mullein, Garlic, or Olive oil in your ear.

Remember - K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Silly! This is a home health care remedy that should be used with common sense. Please see our words of caution page.

Please use Ear Candles ONLY with the supervision and/or assistance of another person.

Words of Caution

Use Ear Candles ONLY if you:

* Feel comfortable using them.
* Feel comfortable around fire.
* Know how to use Ear Candles OR get assistance from someone who does.
* Do not doubt your health or your ability to heal yourself. If you do, please contact your doctor.
* Don’t have any of the following:
o Cysts in the Ear
o Perforated Ear Drums
o Tumor of the Ear
o You are currently under the supervision of a medical doctor for ear problems.
* Are NOT allergic to bee stings and/or honey. (This is only applicable to Beeswax Ear Candles.)

Ear Candles are NOT intended to remove anything from the body. Current worldwide research indicates that ear candle s function as an energetic modality similar to acupuncture and reflexology. Many practitioners believe that ear candles encourage the proper function of the ear, sinus and lymphatic system. This type of healing and shifting the human body’s autonomic nervous system from a sympathetic to a parasympathetic state is well known in the fields of reflexology and acupuncture.

The quality of materials used in manufacturing ear candles is extremely important. Please only use ear candles made from high quality food grade wax without any extra fillers, ingredients, and colors.

Answer 7

I had done ear candles and if you are really stuck with lots of 'load' inside you ears, the candle will pull the 'loads' (alot) out from the ear. But the problem is that you will feel terrified with a fire attached on the top of the ear burning down slowing towards the ear. Actually it is still quite safe. This is just a normal procedure that salon do it for you.

Answer 8

they are not dangerous as long as a friend is helping you, and you are careful of the fire. A wick is placed down the ear canal, the external part of the wick is lit. A piece of aluminum foil is placed between the flame and your ear for safety. When the wick burns down low it is removed from your ear and has tons of wax in it. It works because the flame syphons out the stuff in your ears. Amazing and your ears feel good and clean.

Answer 9

Can I recommend something that you can do for yourself and is recommended by Ear-Nose-Throat specialists? Mix white vinegar and rubbing alcohol half and half. Put that in your ear and let it set for awhile. The combination is great for melting and clearing wax from your ears. You can also do it once a week for general maintenance. The ear candles work but this is easier and just as effective.

Good luck,
D

Answer 10

You stick the small end in your ear and light the other end and when all the oxygen is sucked out of your ear it will start pulling the wax out. Just put a towel over your face so the ashes won't fall on you. but they worked for me