Brooke Martin
Ear candling, or ear coning, is an alternative medicine practice that involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear canal to create a low-level vacuum that supposedly softens and removes earwax and other impurities. While some proponents claim that it can also help with conditions like ringing in the ears and sinus pressure, there is no scientific evidence supporting the benefits of ear candling. On the contrary, medical experts warn that it can be dangerous and ineffective, with risks including burns, hair catching fire, wax blockage in the ear canal, and middle ear damage. The FDA has also warned against its use, and it is not approved for any medical purpose.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it? | Ear candling, also known as ear coning, is the practice of placing a lit, cone-shaped candle into the ear. |
| Purpose | It is used to remove earwax, improve hearing, cure ear infections, control blood pressure, and treat stress. |
| Method | A small hole is cut in a paper plate, and the candle is inserted into it. The candle is then placed in the ear canal and lit at the opposite end. |
| Duration | The candle is typically left to burn for 10-20 minutes. |
| Cost | Ear candles can cost a few dollars each. |
| Effectiveness | There is no scientific evidence that ear candling is effective in removing earwax or treating any medical condition. |
| Safety | Ear candling is not considered safe and can cause burns, skin irritation, hair fires, ear damage, and hearing loss. |
| Medical Advice | Medical professionals advise against ear candling due to its potential risks. The FDA has also warned against its use and stopped the import of ear candles. |
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What You'll Learn
How ear candling works
Ear candling, also known as ear coning, is a form of alternative medicine that has been practised for thousands of years. It involves placing a lit, cone-shaped candle into the ear canal. The candle is typically made of cotton or linen soaked in beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax, and is around 10 inches long.
The process begins with cutting a hole in a paper or foil plate, through which the candle is inserted, to catch any hot wax or ash that may fall. The person then lies on their side with one ear facing up. The pointed end of the candle is placed in the ear, and the open end is lit. As the candle burns, it is trimmed and kept open, ensuring that no wax drips into the ear or onto the surrounding skin. The candle is allowed to burn for about 15 minutes, after which the flame is carefully blown out.
Proponents of ear candling believe that the warmth of the candle's flame creates a vacuum, generating low-level suction that pulls earwax and other impurities out of the ear. Some also believe that the heat from the candle melts and softens the wax, which then falls out over the next few days. After the procedure, the candle can be cut open, revealing what is claimed to be earwax, bacteria, and debris from inside the ear.
However, it is important to note that there is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness or safety of ear candling. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved ear candles for medical use and has issued warnings against their use due to the risk of serious physical injuries, including burns, hair catching fire, and damage to the middle ear. Additionally, there is a risk of candle wax dripping into the ear canal, clogging it and impacting hearing.
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The risks of ear candling
Ear candling is an alternative health treatment that involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear canal. The purported benefits of ear candling include removing wax, bacteria, and other debris from the ear canal, improving hearing, and curing ear infections. Some manufacturers even claim that ear candling can help treat cancer.
However, ear candling is not without its risks. Here are some of the dangers associated with the practice:
Burns and injuries
The open flame and melting wax from an ear candle pose a number of health risks. There is a strong possibility of burning yourself, especially when the candle is held close to the face. Severe burns on the face, hair, and neck are potential hazards. Additionally, hot wax can drip into the eye, and the flame or wax can fall outside the protection of the covering, causing further burns.
Ear damage
The ear can also be severely burned by the fire and melting wax. The tip of the candle or the wax can go into the ear canal, causing considerable burning. Furthermore, there is a risk of accidentally piercing the eardrum, which can result in significant harm and discomfort. Ear candling can also push earwax further into the ear canal, worsening the problem.
Infections and underlying conditions
By practicing ear candling instead of seeking medical attention, people might allow underlying infections and other conditions to worsen. The American Academy of Otolaryngology does not support ear candling due to the lack of evidence of its effectiveness and its safety risks.
Fire hazard
There is a risk that lit ear candles could start a fire, especially if not used according to the manufacturer's directions.
Unproven effectiveness
There is no scientific evidence to support the claims made by ear candle manufacturers and practitioners. In fact, studies have shown that ear candles do not produce negative pressure or suction force, and there is no proof that they effectively remove earwax. The debris found inside burned candles is not always earwax and can be a blend of burned candle wax and fabric.
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Safe ear wax removal methods
Ear candling, or ear coning, is an alternative medicine practice that involves placing a lit, cone-shaped candle into the ear. It is believed to remove earwax and treat various health conditions. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness or safety. In fact, it can cause serious injuries, such as burns, middle ear damage, and even hearing loss. The FDA has not approved ear candles for medical use and warns against their use due to the risk of severe burns and other injuries.
Instead, here are some safe methods for ear wax removal:
- Over-the-counter ear drops or ear cleaners: Look for drops that contain hydrogen peroxide or other types of peroxide, as they are effective in breaking up earwax.
- Water or saline solution: Drip a few drops of plain water, a simple saline solution, or hydrogen peroxide into the ear with your head tilted so that the ear opening is pointing up. Keep it in that position for a few minutes to allow the liquid to soften the wax. Then, tilt your head to the other side and let the fluid and wax drain out.
- Bulb syringe: A bulb syringe can be used to flush out and swish out the ear.
- Medical assistance: If you are prone to earwax blockage or have a condition called impacted cerumen (a firm wax plug blocking your ear canal), it is best to seek medical help. A clinician can use slender, spoon-like curettes or suction techniques to safely remove the wax. They may also recommend medicated ear drops to soften the wax, but these should only be used as directed to avoid irritating the delicate skin of the eardrum and ear canal.
It is important to remember that some earwax is good for your ears, so the best approach is often to leave it alone unless it is causing problems. Avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to remove wax buildup, as this can push the wax deeper into your ear and cause damage.
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The ineffectiveness of ear candling
Ear candling, or ear coning, is a practice that involves placing a lit, cone-shaped candle into the ear. It is believed to remove earwax and treat various health conditions. However, there are several reasons why ear candling is ineffective and potentially harmful.
Firstly, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the benefits of ear candling. While proponents claim that the heat from the candle creates suction to pull out earwax and impurities, there is no valid scientific research that confirms this. In fact, one study found that there was no suction force created during the procedure. The temperatures produced by the candle are also insufficient to melt and soften earwax, contrary to claims made by supporters.
Secondly, the belief that ear candling can treat various health conditions is unfounded. The practice is said to improve hearing, cure ear infections, and control blood pressure and stress. However, these claims are not supported by scientific evidence. The idea that ear candling clears the ear canal, leading to the cleaning of other pathways in the head, is a myth. The eardrum separates the external ear canal, where the candle is placed, from the middle ear, sinuses, Eustachian tubes, and nasal passages, which are involved in the conditions that ear candling supposedly treats.
Additionally, ear candling can be dangerous and has been associated with serious injuries and accidents. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against using lit candles close to the face, as it can cause severe skin and hair burns, as well as middle ear damage. There is also a risk of fire and wax dripping into the ear canal, which can clog the passage and lead to temporary hearing loss. Even with precautions such as using a plate to catch dripping wax and a towel for protection, the risk of injury remains.
Furthermore, the debris found inside burned candles, which is claimed to be proof of the removal of impurities from the ear, has been shown to be a blend of candle wax and fabric. This occurs even when the candles have not been near an ear canal, indicating that the contents are not earwax or debris removed from the ear.
In conclusion, ear candling is ineffective for earwax removal and treating health conditions. It is a potentially harmful practice that carries risks of injury and accidents. Reliable scientific evidence does not support its benefits, and medical experts advise against its use. Safer alternatives, such as over-the-counter ear drops or using a rubber bulb syringe with warm water, are recommended for earwax removal.
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Who should avoid ear candling
Ear candling is a practice that involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear to create a low-level vacuum, which is supposed to soften and remove earwax and other impurities. Despite its popularity, there is no scientific evidence that ear candling is effective or safe.
Potential for Serious Injury
Ear candling can cause serious harm to the ear and has been associated with reports of punctured eardrums. The FDA has issued warnings about the use of lit candles near the face, stating that ear candling carries a high risk of severe skin and hair burns, as well as middle ear damage, even when used according to manufacturer directions. The risk of injury is further heightened when individuals attempt ear candling at home without professional supervision.
Ineffective Wax Removal
The temperatures produced by the candle are typically below body temperature, which is too low to effectively melt and remove earwax. The sticky nature of earwax, especially when hard and firmly pressed together, makes it difficult to remove through the purported suction force of ear candling. In fact, one study found no evidence of any suction force during the procedure.
Risk of Hearing Loss
There is a risk of candle wax dripping into the ear canal, potentially clogging the passage and causing temporary hearing loss.
Alternative Safe Methods
Instead of ear candling, individuals can opt for safer alternatives for earwax removal. Over-the-counter ear drops can effectively soften and dislodge earwax. Additionally, individuals can use a few drops of water or hydrogen peroxide, allowing them to drain into the wax before turning to the side to let the liquid and wax slide out.
Lack of Medical Approval
The FDA has not approved ear candles for any medical use and has actively worked to stop their import. The American Academy of Otolaryngology also does not support ear candling due to its lack of evidence and safety risks.
Given these concerns, it is advisable to avoid ear candling as a method for earwax removal or treating health conditions. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for safe and effective alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Ear candling is an alternative remedy that involves placing a lit, hollow candle in your ear to create a low-level vacuum that is supposed to soften and remove earwax, along with other impurities.
Ear candling should not be performed at home. If you choose to proceed despite the risks, lie on your side and place the candle in your ear canal. Get someone you trust to light the opposite end and let it burn for about 15 minutes. The candle is then removed, and the flame is put out.
No, ear candling is not safe and can cause serious injuries. The FDA has warned against using lit candles close to your face, stating that ear candling carries a high risk of severe skin and hair burns, as well as middle ear damage.
There is no scientific evidence that ear candling is effective at removing earwax. In fact, doctors do not recommend this practice because it is considered dangerous and ineffective.
Alternatives to ear candling include over-the-counter ear drops, or dripping a few drops of water or hydrogen peroxide down your ear canal. If you are experiencing discomfort due to earwax buildup, it is recommended to seek advice from a hearing specialist.
