Ben Carter
Ear candling, also known as earwax candling, is a centuries-old practice that involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and lighting the exposed end. The purported benefits of ear candling include the removal of earwax and debris, improved hearing, and relief from pain and allergies. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting these claims, and major health authorities such as the FDA have warned of its dangers. The risks associated with ear candling include burns to the face, neck, and ear, as well as earwax impaction, perforated eardrums, and foreign body lodgment. While some people advocate for ear candling as a natural solution, it is not recommended by healthcare professionals due to its potential to cause serious harm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | No scientific evidence to support claims of effectiveness |
| Safety | Not safe, potentially dangerous |
| Health Risks | Burns, earwax impaction, perforation of the eardrum, foreign body lodgment, dizziness, vertigo, hearing loss, residual candle wax, sinus pressure issues |
| Recommended by Healthcare Professionals | No |
| FDA Stance | Warns against use, has taken regulatory actions |
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What You'll Learn
No scientific evidence that it works
Ear candling, also known as earwax candling, is a process in which a hollow candle is inserted into the ear canal and lit. The heat from the candle is supposed to create a vacuum that draws out wax and debris from the ear. However, there is no scientific evidence that ear candling is effective.
A 2016 study examined the case of a 16-year-old boy who practiced ear candling for allergies and started experiencing pain in his ear and reduced hearing. A physician had to remove multiple pieces of candle debris from his eardrum. The study highlights the lack of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of ear candling and the potential risks associated with its use.
In addition to the lack of scientific evidence, there are also concerns about the safety of ear candling. The open flame and melting wax from the candle pose health risks, including burns to the face, neck, eardrum, middle ear, or ear canal. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against the use of ear candles, stating that they are not safe and can pose a serious health threat. The FDA has taken regulatory actions, including product seizures and injunctions, to protect public health.
Healthcare professionals generally recommend against using ear candles. They advise that ear candling can be hazardous and is not an effective method for removing earwax. Instead, they suggest seeking professional medical care or using alternative methods such as over-the-counter ear drops or warm water irrigation performed by an audiologist. These methods are safer and more effective for earwax removal.
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Health risks and side effects
Ear candling is not advocated by healthcare professionals. There is no scientific evidence that ear candling is effective, and major health authorities such as the FDA have warned of its dangers for several years.
Burns: The open flame and melting wax from an ear candle can cause burns to the skin, face, neck, ear canal, eardrum, and other sensitive structures in the ear. The hot wax can also drip into the eye, and there is a risk of hair catching on fire.
Earwax impaction: Ear candling can push earwax further into the ear canal, causing a blockage. This can lead to temporary hearing loss and pain.
Perforated eardrum: The heat from the candle can cause the eardrum to rupture or perforate, resulting in hearing loss, pain, and other problems.
Residual candle wax: Candle wax can get into the ear and impact hearing.
Foreign body lodgment: Debris from the candle, such as fabric and wax, can become lodged in the ear.
Dizziness and vertigo: Ear candling has been associated with dizziness and vertigo.
Delay in seeking medical treatment: By practising ear candling, people might delay seeking medical attention for underlying infections and other conditions requiring proper treatment.
It is important to note that ear candling is not a recommended practice and can be dangerous. If you are experiencing any hearing loss, dizziness, or vertigo, you should consult an audiologist or a doctor.
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Burns and other injuries
Ear candling is a dangerous process that can cause burns, earwax impaction, and perforation of the eardrum. The open flame and melting wax pose a number of health risks, including severe burns on the face, neck, eardrum, middle ear, or ear canal. The hot wax or ash can also cause burns if it falls outside the protection of the covering. There have been reports of punctured eardrums after the candling process, as the heat from the candle can cause the eardrum to rupture or perforate. This can lead to hearing loss, pain, and other problems.
In addition to the risk of burns, there is also a risk of foreign body lodgment. The candle wax can get into your ears, impacting your hearing and causing discomfort. Ear candling can also push earwax further into the ear canal, causing earwax impaction. This occurs when earwax becomes impacted and hardens in the ear canal, making it difficult for sound to travel through to the inner ear. This can result in hearing loss, pain, and other issues.
The risks associated with ear candling are significantly higher for children, as they tend to move around during the procedure, increasing the likelihood of hot wax or ash falling outside the protective covering. Similarly, older adults may also be at a higher risk due to impaired mobility and reduced reaction times.
Furthermore, ear candling can cause dizziness and vertigo, which can be dangerous, especially if an individual is unsupervised during the procedure. It is important to seek medical help if you experience any adverse effects after ear candling, such as hearing loss, dizziness, or vertigo.
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No proof it removes earwax
While ear candling has been used for centuries to remove wax and debris from the ear canal, there is no scientific evidence that it is effective. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that it is extremely dangerous and can cause serious harm to your ear.
The process involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and lighting the other end. The heat from the candle is supposed to create a vacuum that draws out wax and debris. However, there is no proof that this actually happens. A study found that there was no reduction in earwax, and some people even experienced a buildup of more wax from the candle.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that ear candling is not safe and has undertaken regulatory actions, including product seizures and injunctions. The FDA has also sent warnings to and seized products from ear candle manufacturers and retailers, as well as "coning practitioners."
Major health authorities such as the FDA have warned of the dangers of ear candles for several years. The open flame and melting wax pose a number of health risks, including burns to the skin, eardrum, and other sensitive structures in the ear. There are also reports of punctured eardrums after the candling process.
Instead of ear candling, it is recommended to seek professional earwax removal from an audiologist. This is a painless and quick procedure that can be completed in just a few minutes.
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Alternative, safer treatments
If you are experiencing discomfort due to a buildup of earwax, there are safer alternatives to ear candling.
Firstly, it is important to note that earwax is a self-cleansing, lubricating, and antibacterial substance for the ear canal. It naturally works its way out of the ear canal during motions such as chewing or swallowing. Once on the outside of the ear canal, earwax dries up and flakes away.
However, if you are experiencing discomfort, there are several safer treatments you can try. One option is to use over-the-counter ear drops or to drip a few drops of water or hydrogen peroxide into your ear canal. Let the liquid sit for a few minutes, then turn your head to the side to allow the liquid and wax to slide out. You can also schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist, who can help clear away stubborn earwax.
It is important to avoid putting anything smaller than your finger into your ear, as this can contribute to earwax buildup and push wax deeper into the canal. This includes cotton swabs, paper clips, and other small objects.
If you are experiencing underlying infections or other conditions, it is important to seek proper medical treatment. Do not rely on ear candling or other alternative remedies, as they may worsen your condition.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there is no scientific evidence that ear candling is effective. Major health authorities such as the FDA have warned against its use.
Ear candling can be dangerous and has been known to cause burns, earwax impaction, perforation of the eardrum, foreign body lodgement, dizziness, and vertigo.
If you have a buildup of earwax, you should see an audiologist. This is a painless and quick procedure that can be completed by an audiologist using droplets of warm water.
Ear candling can cause burns to the skin, eardrum, and other sensitive structures in the ear. It can also push earwax further into the ear canal, causing earwax impaction and hearing loss.
