Everyone has ear wax in their ears. If you experience fullness, discharge from your ears, or have hearing problems from time to time, it may be necessary to eliminate the excess of this substance. There are several methods that allow you to do this, but ear candles (or cones) are one of the oldest and most popular in the world. Although the debate over their effectiveness is still very heated, some alternative medicine specialists believe that these tools are safe and effective in keeping the ears - and the whole body - in good health.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Candles to Remove Earwax
Step 1. Be aware of the risks of this practice
Alternative medicine experts fervently advocate the benefits of ear cleaning through the use of candles; however, many mainstream doctors believe it is a dangerous and ineffective procedure. If you know the related risks and concerns, you can make an informed and informed decision on the best method to get rid of ear wax from your ears.
- Studies conducted by otolaryngologists (doctors who specialize in the health of the nose, ears and throat) have shown that this practice causes burns, obstructions of the ear canal, ear infections and perforations of the eardrum, even when the candles are used according to the instructions on the package.
- Most practitioners of traditional medicine believe that ear candles or cones are completely useless for removing earwax.
Step 2. Ask a friend or family member to help you
You may have some difficulty going it alone. The presence of another person also reduces the risk of burns or other trauma to the ear.
Step 3. Compare the size of the tip of the candle (the narrowest one) with your ear
The edges of the cone should fit snugly around the width and perimeter of the ear opening to ensure safe and effective cleaning.
- Use a pair of scissors to cut the end and make the opening of the cone slightly larger so that it fits properly in the ear canal.
- Make sure the opening is clear. There should be an open, unobstructed path from one end of the candle to the other. If necessary, use a pointed, sharp tool to remove any blocks from the thin end.
Step 4. Wash your hands and ear
Before starting the process, wash your hands and clean your ear with a cloth. This way, you minimize the risk of spreading bacteria which could in turn trigger an infection.
- You can wash your hands with a simple alkaline soap.
- Rub your ear with a wet cloth.
Step 5. Cover your head with a damp cloth
Wet a large towel with some water and use it to protect your head and upper torso. In this way, you prevent the flame or ash from hitting the skin during the operations.
Make sure you have carefully covered your head, hair, shoulders, and upper torso
Step 6. Sit upright
It will be easier and safer if you sit with your back straight while cleaning with candles. This position prevents the falling ash from coming into contact with your body and burning you.
Step 7. Rub the back of the ear
Before starting, massage the surrounding and back area of the auricle. By doing so, you relax and improve the blood circulation in the area.
- Focus on the area behind the jaw line, around the temple and scalp.
- Rub your skin for at least 30 seconds to open the duct.
Step 8. Place a paper plate or small disposable aluminum pan over the ear
Make a hole in your plate or baking sheet and place it over your ear. That way, you won't burn yourself with the ash or the flame itself.
- You can use any type of baking tray or paper plate - both are available in supermarkets.
- Make sure the hole is the same diameter as the tip of the spark plug. Insert the latter into the hole and hold it over the ear to be treated.
Step 9. Rest the tip of the cone in the ear canal
Insert the thin end into the hole you made in your plate or pan and then place it in your ear. All of these precautions allow you to proceed safely and effectively.
Hold the candle upright. When sitting upright, the candle should form an angle of approximately 30 ° to the ground
Step 10. Set the larger end of the cone on fire
Ask your helper to light the candle with a match or lighter. This way, you start the cleaning process and you can be sure that the tool is turned on without the risk of burning yourself.
- If the candle is well positioned, there should be no smoke escaping between your ear and the tip of the candle itself.
- If the cone has not been inserted correctly, change its position or yours; it is essential that there is a good fit between the ear and the candle. It takes some practice and you may need to try a second candle again.
Step 11. Let the cone burn for about 15 minutes
This is the time it takes for the candle to burn out to the desired length. This is also used to avoid burns and maximize the amount of ear wax you can remove.
Step 12. Cut the candle every 5 cm
As it burns and burns out, scrape off the charred portions with a pair of scissors and drop them into a glass of water. By doing this, you prevent burning ash or flames from falling close to you with the risk of burning yourself.
You can take the cone out of the ear to cut it over the bowl (or glass) of water. Then, insert the candle back into your ear so that it fits snugly against the ear opening
Step 13. Wait for the cone to burn until only an 8-10cm long stump remains
When the candle is shortened to this length, ask the person helping you to put it out in a container of water to prevent them from burning you.
If the burning seems to be taking a long time, ask your helper to check the thin end of the candle after a few minutes to make sure it is not clogged. If necessary, use a toothpick to free it; when finished, reinsert the cone back into your ear
Step 14. Look at the residue left in the candle
When you remove the cone stump from the ear, you will find a compound of earwax, debris and bacteria inside it. This ensures that you have removed the earwax and you can evaluate if a second operation is necessary.
If you immediately put the cone in water, you will not be able to see the earwax
Step 15. Clean your ear
After using the candle, clean the outside of the ear canal and the pinna. Be careful not to push any material residue deep.
You can use a cloth or cotton swab for this. Just be careful not to fully insert the cotton swab into the ear canal, as it will only push the earwax deeply and you could injure the eardrum
Step 16. Repeat the process with the other ear
If both ears are suffering from earwax buildup, repeat the cleaning process in the other. Remember to carefully follow the instructions described here and those you can read on the packaging of the cones. All this prevents burns or other trauma.
Method 2 of 2: Remove Earwax with Alternative Methods
Step 1. Clean the outside of the ear
You can treat the outside of the ear canal with a cloth or paper towel. By doing this, you eliminate the secretions and earwax that have reached the access to the inner ear.
- Use a soft cloth to wipe the surface of the pinna and the outer portion of the canal. If you wish, you can lightly moisten the fabric with warm water.
- Wrap the paper tissue around your finger and gently wipe the outside of the ear canal and the ear itself.
Step 2. Apply a few over-the-counter ear drops to dissolve the ear wax
People who suffer from a limited or moderate build-up of secretions can use an over-the-counter solution to get rid of it. This way, you can get rid of the hardened material.
- Most of these products are based on oil and hydrogen peroxide.
- Hydrogen peroxide does not dissolve ear wax, but allows it to move through the ear canal.
- Remember to strictly follow the directions on the package, so as not to risk causing further problems.
- If you have a perforated eardrum or suspect it is, do not use any over-the-counter preparations. Symptoms of this injury include purulent or bloody discharge from the ears, hearing loss, tinnitus.
- You can buy earwax dissolving drops at most drugstores and parapharmacies.
Step 3. Try some oil or glycerin drops to soften secretions
In addition to over-the-counter treatments, you can also use simple oil or glycerin drops to get rid of earwax plugs. In this way, you make them softer and facilitate their expulsion from the ear canal.
- You can use baby oil or mineral oil. Drop a drop of oil into each ear and wait five minutes before letting it out.
- Alternatively, you can also use olive oil. However, one study has shown that water is more effective than the latter
- There are no studies that indicate the optimal frequency of use of oil or glycerin drops; in any case, you shouldn't apply them more than twice a week.
Step 4. Irrigate your ears
Ear irrigation or "washing" is one of the most common methods of removing ear plugs. This procedure is perfect in cases where there is a lot of material or it is very hardened.
- You will need a syringe, which you can buy at any pharmacy.
- Fill the body of the syringe with water at body temperature. If you use a colder or warmer liquid you could cause dizziness and vertigo.
- Keep your head erect and gently pull the pinna up to straighten the ear canal.
- Inject a small stream of water into the ear near the earwax plug.
- Fold the garment to allow the liquid to drain.
- You will have to repeat watering several times to be able to remove the obstruction.
- One study has shown that injecting a small amount of water or oil into the ear before irrigation facilitates and accelerates the removal of earwax.
- Never use a device that sprays pressurized water to irrigate the ears!
Step 5. Remove the ear wax by vacuuming it
You can purchase a suction or suction instrument that removes material from the ear. While some research has shown this treatment to be ineffective, it may be helpful for you.
You can buy these tools both in pharmacies and in large supermarkets
Step 6. Dry your ears
After removing the earwax, it is essential to dry the ears thoroughly. By doing this, you prevent infections or complications from developing.
- For this purpose, you can instill a couple of drops of denatured alcohol.
- Alternatively, direct the airflow from a hair dryer set at its lowest temperature to your ear.
Step 7. Do not clean too frequently or use tools
Remember that the human body produces a certain amount of earwax to avoid ear infections. If you don't clean your ears too often and don't use tools like Q-tips, you keep a healthy amount of ear wax in your ear canals.
- Only clean when needed. If you find that you need to clean your ears daily or notice too much discharge, go to the doctor.
- If you use tools such as cotton swabs or hairpins, instead of pulling out the earwax you push it deeply, which can cause infections and other problems.
- These objects could also damage the eardrum, generate ear infections and hearing loss.
Step 8. Discuss with your doctor what professional treatments are available
If you are unable to get discharge from your ears at home or have other problems such as severe hearing loss, talk to your doctor about alternatives. This way, you can be sure that your ears will be cleaned with the most effective, least invasive and most painless technique.
