Tyler Brooks
Ear candling, also known as ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is a form of alternative medicine that involves placing a lit, hollow candle into the ear canal. The heat from the candle is supposed to create suction and pull out earwax and other impurities. While ear candling has been practised for thousands of years, there is no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness or safety. On the contrary, health authorities such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have warned against its use due to the risk of serious injuries, including burns, perforated eardrums, and hearing loss. Despite the lack of evidence and safety concerns, ear candles are widely available in the US, although selling or importing them with medical claims is illegal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is ear candling | A pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice claiming to improve general health and well-being by lighting one end of a hollow candle and placing the other end in the ear canal |
| Ear candling procedure | The pointed end of the candle is placed in the ear. The open end is lit. The flame is carefully blown out after 15 minutes. |
| Ear candling practitioners | Herbalist, massage therapist, or a beauty salon specialist |
| Ear candling risks | Serious physical injuries, burns, a perforated eardrum, and hearing loss |
| Ear candling in the US | Widely available, but selling or importing them with medical claims is illegal |
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What You'll Learn
Dangers and side effects
Ear candling is a practice that involves placing a lit, cone-shaped candle into the ear canal. The heat from the candle is supposed to create suction and pull out earwax and other impurities. However, there are several dangers and side effects associated with this practice.
Firstly, there is no scientific evidence that ear candling effectively removes debris from the ear canal. In fact, some people have experienced a buildup of more wax due to the candle, and in one trial, participants experienced candle wax occlusion, with some even developing blockages. Additionally, the temperatures produced by the candle are below body temperature, which is too low to melt earwax.
Secondly, ear candling can cause serious burns to the face, eardrum, and inner and outer ear. This is because hot wax and ash may fall onto the skin and cause burns. The close proximity of the lit candle to the face and ear also poses a risk of hair catching fire. Even when performed according to directions, ear candling can result in accidents and injuries.
Thirdly, ear candling can lead to damage to the eardrum, including perforation or tympanic membrane perforation. This can result in hearing loss and other ear issues. This risk is especially high for small children, who should avoid ear candling at all costs.
Lastly, instead of removing earwax, ear candling may push it further into the ear canal, making the buildup worse. This can lead to impacted earwax, which can cause hearing loss, ear pain, and other complications. The safest way to remove earwax is to consult a doctor or an audiologist for a professional cleaning. They can use safe and effective methods such as drops or irrigation to remove the earwax without causing any harm to the ear.
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The history of ear candling
Ear candling, also called ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is a pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice that claims to improve general health and well-being. The practice involves lighting one end of a hollow candle and placing the other end in the ear canal.
Despite these claims, there is no evidence that ear candling was practised by the Hopi tribe, despite the name "Hopi ear candles" being used by Biosun, a manufacturer of ear candles. The Hopi Cultural Preservation Office has stated that ear candling "is not and has never been a practice conducted by the Hopi tribe or the Hopi people."
The earliest records state that ear candling was first practised by Americans in the 20th century, introduced by some European immigrants. Today, ear candles are widely available in the US, but selling or importing them with medical claims is illegal. Health authorities, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada, have warned against their use, stating that they are dangerous and provide no health benefits.
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How to prepare for ear candling
Ear candling is a popular but risky practice for removing ear wax. 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. While some people advocate for its benefits, medical experts advise against it due to safety concerns and side effects.
If you choose to proceed with ear candling, here are some steps to prepare:
- Wash your hands and your ear before beginning the candling process. Use a simple soap or a soft soap that is antimicrobial and antibacterial. Wipe your ear with a moist cloth to minimise the risk of spreading bacteria that may cause an infection.
- Cover your head and neck with a damp towel. Moisten a large towel and cover your head, hair, neck, shoulders, and upper torso. This helps prevent flames, hot wax, or ashes from burning your skin and hair during the candling process.
- Place a paper plate or pie tin over your ear. Cut a small hole in a paper plate or pie tin and position it over your ear. This protects your face and neck from the flame, hot wax, and falling ashes.
- Massage the area around and behind your ear. Before starting the candling procedure, rub the area behind your ear, including the area behind your jawbone, around your temple, and your scalp. Massaging for at least 30 seconds can help relax you and stimulate circulation in the ear area.
- Prepare the candle and ensure a secure fit. Place the pointed end of the candle in your ear and the open end facing up. Check that no smoke escapes from between your ear and the small end of the candle. If there is smoke, readjust your position or try a new candle.
- Have a friend or family member assist you. It can be challenging to perform ear candling by yourself, so it is recommended to have someone you trust to help with the process.
Please note that ear candling is not recommended by medical professionals due to safety concerns. There are alternative, safer methods for earwax removal, such as over-the-counter ear drops or seeking professional cleaning from a doctor.
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The effectiveness of ear candling
Ear candling, also known as ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is a form of alternative medicine that involves placing a lit, cone-shaped candle into the ear canal. The heat from the candle is supposed to create suction and pull out earwax and other impurities. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of ear candling.
The practice of ear candling has been associated with various risks and side effects. There have been reports of burns, perforated eardrums, and hearing loss. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that ear candling can cause serious physical injuries, especially when used on children. The FDA also notes that there is no reliable scientific evidence on the effectiveness of ear candling.
In addition to the safety concerns, there is also a lack of proof that ear candling removes earwax or provides any health benefits. One study found that ear candles did not create any suction force and did not remove wax, but instead led to occlusion with candle wax in previously clean ear canals. The American Academy of Otolaryngology does not support ear candling due to the lack of evidence of its effectiveness and its safety risks.
Despite the lack of scientific evidence and the potential risks, some people continue to use ear candling as a form of alternative medicine. It is important to note that earwax is naturally removed by the self-cleaning system of the ear, and most people do not need additional cleaning methods. If you think you have excess earwax or are experiencing discomfort, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for safe and effective treatment options.
Overall, while ear candling may be touted as a natural and peaceful way to improve health, the lack of scientific evidence, potential safety risks, and the presence of more effective alternatives make it a questionable choice for those seeking to improve their well-being.
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Safe ear wax removal alternatives
Ear candling, also known as ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is a popular practice for removing ear wax. It involves placing a hollow candle in the ear canal and lighting the other end. However, this method is not recommended by medical professionals due to safety concerns and a lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness.
Consult a Doctor
If you are experiencing ear wax buildup, it is recommended to consult a doctor or a healthcare provider. They can examine your ears using specialised tools and determine the best course of action. Healthcare providers can remove excess wax using various methods, including:
- A small, curved tool called a curet.
- Suction techniques.
- Flushing the ear with a syringe filled with warm water, saline, or diluted hydrogen peroxide.
- Medicated ear drops to soften the wax, such as carbamide peroxide.
Home Remedies
There are also some home remedies that you can try for ear wax removal, but it is important to consult your doctor before attempting any of these methods:
- Over-the-counter ear drops: These can help soften and dislodge earwax. Look for drops containing hydrogen peroxide or other types of peroxide.
- Baking soda solution: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 2 ounces of warm water. Use a dropper to gently drip 5 to 10 drops of the solution into your ear. Leave it for up to 1 hour, then flush with water. Do this once a day for up to 2 weeks.
- Oils: Warm a small amount of olive oil, mineral oil, or another recommended oil. Test the temperature to ensure it is not too hot, then tilt your head and place a few drops into your ear. Keep your head tilted for a few minutes to allow the oil to soften the wax.
- Water flushing: Fill a soft rubber bulb syringe with warm water and gently squeeze it near your ear opening to flush out the wax. Be careful not to damage your eardrum.
It is important to note that you should avoid using cotton swabs or inserting any objects into your ear canal, as this can cause damage or push the wax further into the ear. Always consult a healthcare professional if you are unsure or if you experience any discomfort during ear wax removal.
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Frequently asked questions
Ear candling, also known as ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is a pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice that involves placing a lit, cone-shaped candle into the ear canal. The heat from the candle is supposed to pull up ear wax.
Ear candling is usually done by an herbalist, massage therapist, or beauty salon specialist. You should never try it on yourself. The candle is inserted through a foil or paper plate to catch hot wax. The pointed end of the candle is placed in your ear, while the open end is lit. The candle is burned for about 15 minutes, then carefully blown out.
Yes, ear candling is associated with several risks and side effects, including burns, a perforated eardrum, hearing loss, and skin/hair burns. There is also no scientific evidence that ear candling is effective in removing ear wax.
