Chloe Adams
Ear candling is a popular alternative approach for removing earwax that involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear canal to create a low-level vacuum that is supposed to soften and remove earwax and other impurities. Despite its popularity, there is no scientific evidence that ear candling works or is safe, and medical experts advise against it. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved ear candles for any medical use and has issued warnings to manufacturers due to the risk of injury, especially in children. Instead, it is recommended to visit a doctor for a professional ear cleaning or to try safe at-home treatments such as over-the-counter ear drops or irrigation methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 inches |
| Composition | Hollow fabric cones soaked in wax or paraffin |
| Cost | A few dollars per candle |
| Setup | Cut a hole in a paper plate and stick the candle into it |
| Positioning | Lie on your side with the candle in your ear canal |
| Process | Get someone to light the opposite end of the candle and let it burn for about 15 minutes |
| Safety | Not approved by the FDA for medical use and has been associated with serious physical injuries and side effects |
| Effectiveness | No scientific evidence that it works; studies have shown that ear candles produce the same residue when burnt without ear insertion |
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What You'll Learn
The process of ear candling
Ear candling is an alternative approach to removing earwax. It involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear canal to create a low-level vacuum, which is supposed to soften and remove earwax and other impurities. The process of ear candling can be done at home or by an alternative medicine health provider, although it is not advised to be done at home and medical experts advise against the practice altogether.
To begin the process of ear candling, a small hole is cut in a paper plate, and the candle is stuck through it. This ensures that any wax or ash from the candle does not fall on the face. The person then lies on their side with the candle placed in their ear canal. The candle is lit at the opposite end and is allowed to burn for around 15 minutes. After candling, a white powdery substance may be noticed, which proponents of the practice claim is mould, yeast or mucus, but is likely just residue from the candle wax.
There are different ways to position the body during the candling process. One way is to lie face-up with the ear candle extending out to the side at a 45-degree angle. A dish of water is placed under the ear candle. Another method is to lie on the opposite ear to the one being treated.
Despite its popularity, there is no scientific evidence that ear candling works, and it poses several safety hazards. The risks of ear candling include burns, a perforated eardrum, and hearing loss. It can also make earwax buildup worse, and the hot wax and ash may burn the face or ears. The eardrum separates the external ear canal, where the candle is placed, from the middle ear, sinuses, Eustachian tubes and nasal passages, meaning that any changes in the external canal would not affect these structures. Furthermore, one study found that there was no suction force during a candling procedure, and the temperatures produced were too low to melt the wax.
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Safety concerns and side effects
Ear candling is an alternative approach for removing earwax. It 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. However, there is no evidence that ear candling works or is safe. Medical experts advise against trying it due to the following safety concerns and side effects:
Burns and fires
The use of lit candles close to the face and ears poses a risk of severe burns on the face, as well as the possibility of catching hair or eyebrows on fire.
Earwax compaction
Instead of removing earwax, ear candling can push the wax further into the ear canal, making the earwax problem worse.
Eardrum damage
Inserting any object into the ear, including ear candles, can accidentally pierce the eardrum, causing significant harm and discomfort.
Hearing loss and ear infections
Ear candling can lead to hearing loss and ear infections due to the potential damage caused to the ear canal and eardrum.
Dangerous for children
The FDA has stated that children and babies are at an increased risk of injuries and complications from ear candles. Therefore, ear candling should not be performed on minors.
Alternative safe methods
Instead of using ear candles, it is recommended to consult a hearing specialist or a doctor for professional earwax removal methods. Some safe alternatives include over-the-counter ear drops, a saline wash, or a flushing performed by a doctor.
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$13.99 $16.79
Alternative methods of earwax removal
Ear candling is an alternative approach for removing earwax. It involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear to create a low-level vacuum that supposedly softens and removes earwax and other impurities. However, there is no scientific evidence that ear candling works or is safe, and medical experts advise against it. The risks of ear candling include burns, a perforated eardrum, and hearing loss.
Over-the-counter ear drops
Ear drops can help soften earwax and allow it to exit the ear more easily. Look for drops that contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These drops can be combined with irrigation for better results.
Irrigation
Irrigation involves using a syringe filled with warm water, saline, or diluted hydrogen peroxide to flush out the wax. This method can be performed at home or by a healthcare provider.
Baking soda and water
Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 2 ounces of warm water and use a dropper to apply a few drops to the affected ear. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then turn your head to the side to let the solution and wax drain out.
Mineral oil or olive oil
Applying a few drops of mineral oil or olive oil to the ear can help lubricate the ear canal and make it easier to remove the wax.
Medical intervention
If home remedies are ineffective or if you have a significant amount of wax buildup, it is best to consult a healthcare provider. They can use specialised instruments, such as a small curved tool called a curet, or suction techniques to safely remove the excess wax.
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Scientific evidence for ear candling
Ear candling, also known as "ear coning," is a technique that involves placing a hollow candle soaked in beeswax or paraffin inside the ear. The far end of the candle is lit, and the heat allegedly produces suction that draws out earwax, debris, and bacteria from the ear canal. Despite its popularity, there is no scientific evidence that ear candling is effective or safe.
Proponents of ear candling claim that it can remove earwax buildup and treat various conditions, including sinus infections, allergies, ringing in the ears, and even cancer. However, medical experts advise against ear candling, as it poses several safety hazards. There is a risk of burning the skin, hair catching fire, and hot wax or ash falling into the ear canal or eardrum.
Furthermore, studies have shown that ear candles do not create any suction force, and the temperatures produced are below body temperature, too low to melt earwax. The brown waxy substance left in the candle stub after candling is likely candle wax and residue, not earwax and impurities as claimed by practitioners.
In addition, ear candling can be especially dangerous for children, who are at higher risk for injuries and complications. The FDA has not approved ear candles for any medical use and has issued warnings and stopped the import of these products.
While earwax buildup can cause discomfort, it is beneficial and usually does not require removal. The ears have a self-cleaning system, and most people do not need additional cleaning. If there is excessive wax buildup, healthcare providers can use specialised instruments or recommend over-the-counter ear drops to soften and remove the wax safely.
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The effectiveness of ear candling
Ear candling, also known as ear coning, is a technique that involves placing a long, hollow candle made of wax-covered fabric into the ear canal and lighting the other end. The burning candle is believed to create a vacuum that draws out earwax and debris, improving hearing and treating various conditions like sinus infections, colds, and even cancer. While ear candling has gained popularity as an alternative approach to removing earwax, there is limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness and safety.
Proponents of ear candling offer two main theories to explain its effectiveness. The first theory, known as the "chimney effect," suggests that the burning candle creates a vacuum that pulls out earwax, debris, and bacteria. However, a study refuted this claim by demonstrating that no negative pressure or suction force was generated during the candling process. Instead, the study found that candle wax was deposited in the ears, even when no earwax was present initially.
The second theory suggests that ear candling does not immediately remove earwax but instead heats and softens it, allowing it to melt and exit the ear over several days. While this theory acknowledges the absence of suction, it still falls short of providing scientific evidence for the benefits of ear candling.
Despite its widespread adoption, ear candling poses several safety hazards. The practice has been associated with burns, perforated eardrums, hearing loss, and other serious injuries. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved ear candles for medical use and has issued warnings to manufacturers, even halting the import of these candles. Medical experts advise against ear candling, emphasizing that it can cause more harm than good.
Instead of resorting to ear candling, individuals seeking earwax removal should consult healthcare providers. Professionals can utilize specialized instruments or recommend over-the-counter ear drops to soften and dislodge earwax safely. It is important to refrain from inserting objects like cotton swabs into the ear, as this can push earwax deeper, exacerbating the issue. While ear candling may seem like a tempting solution, the lack of scientific evidence and the associated risks strongly suggest exploring alternative, proven methods for addressing earwax buildup.
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Frequently asked questions
Ear candling is an alternative medicine practice 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.
The warmth of the candle's flame is thought to create a vacuum. The suction is supposed to pull earwax and debris into the candle.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not found reliable scientific evidence on the effectiveness of ear candling and has warned consumers against it because it can cause serious physical injuries. Experts do not recommend using ear candles.
