How Does an Ear Candle Clean an Ear?
What Are Ear Candles?
Ear candles are hollow candles used for clearing wax in the ear. One end is put into the ear, and the other end is lit. The candle is left to burn for 15 to 45 minutes or until there are 2 to 4 inches of
Its Purpous
Users claim that the flame of the candle uses negative pressure to pull or suck wax, toxins and objects out of the the ear, sinus cavities and brain. But this is not possible, due to the fact that the ear canal does not open into the brain. Also,a study done by the The Spokane Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic found that ear candles do not work and do not create negative pressure in the ear.
If an ear candle did create enough negative pressure to pull wax and impurities from the ear, it would likely rupture the eardrum.
The Warnings
In October 2007, the Food and Drug Administration issued a statement alerting users to the dangers of ear candles. This report stated that users were in danger of severe burns and ear damage.
A 1996 survey called Ear candles: Efficacy and Safety found that some ear, nose and throat physicians had patients with burns, ear canal obstruction from candle wax, and perforated eardrums from using ear candles.
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