While it can be uncomfortable and lead to temporary hearing loss, earwax is an important part of your body’s natural defenses. In addition to lubricating the ear canal, earwax protects against dirt buildup and prevents infection by inhibiting growth of bacteria and fungus.

The ear naturally self cleans to limit excess wax accumulation but, on occasion, wax can still build up. It is unclear why some people have more wax buildup than others and why one ear is often more prone to excessive wax than the other.

And even though earwax is mainly beneficial to our bodies, when it becomes hardened, it may cause ringing in the ears, reversible hearing loss, and dizziness.

There are many ways to safely remove earwax. While candling is promoted as a natural way to clean out the ears, the truth is there are safer and more effective ways to clear wax.

Candling is meant to work by placing a lit thin hollow cone shaped candle in the ear canal. The warm air rising from the burning candle is intended to create a vacuum that draws out earwax and debris from the ear. Research has shown there is no evidence to support this assertion and has found that there are potential risks involved with candling, including burns to the ear or skin, obstruction of the ear canal due to candle wax, and damage to the ear drum.

If you are looking for safer options, consider asking your physician if using baby oil, mineral oil or olive oil drops to help soften the wax would be appropriate for you as softer wax can clear out naturally.

In addition, an ear doctor will also have the necessary equipment for safe removal. Avoid the use of cotton swabs, such as Q-tips, or sharp objects, such as hairpins, to dig out wax as they can damage the ear and can push the wax further into the canal, making it more difficult to remove.

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