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The wax is there for a reason. Generally speaking, the wax should be left alone unless it's causing a specific problem. There's a list of circumstances in whic
by graeme 11y ago
The wax is there for a reason. Generally speaking, the wax should be left alone unless it's causing a specific problem.
There's a list of circumstances in which to remove ear wax here. And note that an article like this is written because doctors know people will try to remove wax when they don't need to, or via dangerous methods.
http://www.entnet.org/content/earwax-and-care http://www.entnet.org/content/earwax-and-care
- njloof 11y agoThe article also notes that sticking candles in your ears may result in burns. I expect to return to that page in another ten years and read, "Putting ice picks in your ears can result in bleeding. Christ, what is wrong with you people?"
- fractalcat 11y agoThe article is referring to ear candling[0], an alternative-medicine practice espoused by naturopaths and other such quacks. It's sadly quite common. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_candling https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_candling
- kbart 11y agoWhat?? I can't believe this is really happening, it's the funniest thing I've read this week.
- rdancer 11y agoI've seen one of those things recently, and have been wondering about the mechanism of function. How it sucks the earwax (which really has the consistency of viscous oil to hardened wax) out of the ear canal. I feel dismayed if you're telling me it doesn't?
- soylentcola 11y agoIt doesn't. It's one of those things that sounds good enough in theory that people tried it and of course someone is willing to sell the materials/service if there's money to be made. But yeah, it's along the lines of those "cleanse" drinks that make you crap out what they say is "toxins" that had built up in your intestines but is really just the congealed fiber in the drink (which is mostly just a laxative). In this case, it's candle waxes on the cloth that people claim are ear wax that's been somehow drawn out.
- rangibaby 11y agoThey don't do anything. The "earwax" is literally candle wax.
- scottlocklin 11y agoShould I blow my nose, or does the giant honking sharp boogers that form in there have some purpose which it would be unwise to meddle with?