We all know that uncomfortable feeling of a blocked ear – fullness, pressure, pain and sometimes affected hearing, making it difficult to hear what other people are saying clearly. Inside the ear, wax can occasionally build up and cause a blockage, and this problem can be exacerbated by anything being put inside the ear such as cotton buds, your finger or even in-ear headphones.
What Are Hopi Ear Candles?
Hopi ear candles are long cylindrical candles which are placed into the ear and the flame lit. Like various other types of ear candles, the idea behind them is that the warmth of the candle being lit creates a vacuum which then pulls the softened earwax out of the ear, releasing the blockage.
Do They Really Work?
There isn’t any scientific proof to demonstrate that Hopi ear candles are effective in removing ear wax from the ear. While images online may suggest that they can be very effective, it is worth taking this with a pinch of salt, since there is no scientific research to back this up.
Indeed, they can even worsen the problem on occasion by depositing some of the softened candle wax into the ear, potentially worsening any existing blockages.
Of course, as with any lit flame, there’s a danger of injury to the person using the Hopi ear candles too. Hot wax can fall on to the face or neck as it drips. Worse still, it could fall into the ear and cause permanent damage to the sensitive inner ear.
What’s a Better Option?
Luckily, ear wax removal Gloucester and other locations by specialists such as Earwax website can be a quick and painless solution to blocked ears.
Many audiologists also recommend the use of olive oil – just a drop in each ear can be enough to soften existing ear wax and dissolve blockages, according to the NHS.
So if you have blocked ears, make sure you consult a specialist hearing care provider and avoid those candles.
