![]() ![]() “These secretions keep a flow going away from the eardrum toward the opening of the ear, catching dead skin cells, tiny hairs that line the ear canal and other types of microscopic debris along the way,” explains Mark Vaughan, M.D., a family physician and medical director at Auburn Medical Group in Auburn, California. A small amount of earwax regularly migrates from deep in the ear canal to the outside of the ear - acting as a kind of conveyor belt - carrying a lot of bad stuff along with it. ![]() So what, exactly, is this stuff? Well, earwax - the medical term is cerumen - is a waxy oil secreted by the tiny sebaceous and sweat glands that line the walls of the outer ear canal. Knowing how to control that gunk will allow you to hear better and prevent infections, earaches and more. The experts at North Alabama ENT Associates can help by examining your ear and creating a recommended treatment plan.It may be something icky that you’d rather not think about, but earwax is a perfectly normal bodily secretion and a fact of life. If you think you may need your earwax to be removed, there are safe and effective ways to do so. Most people produce just the right amount of earwax to keep their ears healthy. Known as cerumen, earwax prevents dirt and bacteria from entering the ear and helps to keep the ear canal moist. Earwax Is NormalĮarwax is part of a healthy ear. If anything, the process can push the earwax deeper into the ear canal. There is no research to corroborate the claim that lighting a candle in the ear is effective at removing earwax. ![]() Eric Mann, the “FDA believes there is no valid scientific evidence for any medical benefit from their use.” According to the clinical deputy of the FDA’s Division of Ophthalmic, Neurological and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices, Dr. Lack of Scientific EvidenceĮar candling does not work. They explain that even when users follow all manufacturer instructions, ear candles can still lead to serious injuries, including burns to the face, ear canal, eardrum and middle ear injuries to the ear and face from melting wax earwax plugging up the ear and puncture of the eardrum. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers about the dangers of ear candling, even issuing a warning against the practice. The Dangers of Ear CandlingĮxperts caution users against this practice for a number of reasons. It is important to note that there is no scientific research to support any of these claims. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders.This process is rooted in the (false) belief that the passages in the head are connected, so when the ear canal is cleaned and free of wax you are left with a clear head. Those who practice this ancient ritual think that the flame creates suction and pulls earwax out of the ear. The process involves placing the tapered end of a 10-inch hollow candle into the ear. What Is Ear Candling?Įar candling has been traced back to the spiritual healing beliefs of the Hopi Indians. Not only is the process ineffective, it is also dangerous. Ear candling is an ancient technique some believe can draw out earwax and treat sinus infections. ![]()
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