What are ear candles?

Candles

ear candles are cones cones of bedding or cotton, which are soaked in wax and harden to place in the ear. The process of the ear candle is an ancient procedure that some people claim to help remove ear wax and other obstacles from the cavities of the ear and sinus. Most healthcare workers do not recommend using ear candles because there is little evidence to support their efficacy and the potential of damage or injury is high.

ear candles are usually used by the patient lying on his side and putting the cone in the ear canal. The end of the wick is illuminated and it is said that heat from the flame creates a vacuum that sucks wax and dirt into the cone, inside the ear. The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes at which the stick is pushed by a cone to push the wax and ash from the candle. The wax is darkened with smoke, but in fact it is not an ear wax. In the United States areEar candles classified as Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This prevents companies in their marketing for medical purposes without FDA approval.

Many doctors and other medical experts warn against the danger of ear candles, including burns and injuries of inner ear if the wax drips inside the ear canal. The most serious injuries resulting from the use of candles of ears may require surgery or lead to permanent loss of hearing or damage inner ear. External burns are also a problem. Inserting any object too far into the ear canal can bruises or pierce the ear drum, resulting in serious complications and possible deafness.

The potential of injury and complications from the ears candles is quite common. 1996 Survey published in the medical journal laryngoscope said 14 out of 144 surveyed doctors of the ear, nose and neck saw injury atPatients who used ears candles. Some problems may be undetected for some time, such as small amounts of wax that drip into the ear but do not cause problems only months or years later.

Ear Wax has an important role in the protection of the ear and the formation of barriers against water, dust, dirt and bacteria. When cleaning the ears, it is important to remove all traces of wax from the inside of the ear can be susceptible to infection and injury. Many doctors recommend simply cleaning their ears in the shower, with a washcloth, instead of using candles or other devices to try to remove excess wax.