Brooke Martin
Ear candling is an alternative approach to removing earwax that involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear to create a low-level vacuum that supposedly softens and removes earwax and other impurities. While some people swear by it, there is no scientific evidence that ear candling works, and medical experts advise against it due to safety concerns. Instead, safer at-home remedies for earwax removal include over-the-counter wax softeners, hydrogen peroxide, or ear drops, which can be combined with warm water and a rubber syringe to flush or irrigate the ear.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | There is no evidence that ear candling works. |
| Safety | Ear candling is considered unsafe and may cause burns, hair fires, punctured eardrums, and push wax further down the ear canal. |
| Procedure | It involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear canal to create a low-level vacuum that supposedly softens and removes earwax. |
| Alternative names | Ear cones, auricular candles |
| Composition | Cotton or linen tightly wound into a cone shape and soaked in beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax. |
| Length | Approximately 10 inches |
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What You'll Learn
- Ear candling is an alternative approach to removing earwax
- There is no evidence that ear candling works or is safe
- Doctors advise against ear candling due to the risk of burns and ear damage
- Other home remedies for earwax removal include using hydrogen peroxide or olive oil
- If home remedies don't work, seek medical advice for earwax removal
Ear candling is an alternative approach to removing earwax
While ear candling has been a widely used technique for centuries, there is no evidence that it works or is safe. Medical experts advise against trying it due to the risk of burns, hair fires, and damage to the ear canal and eardrum. It may also push wax further into the ear, worsening symptoms. Ear candling is especially dangerous for children, who are at higher risk for injuries and complications.
Instead of ear candling, medical professionals recommend softening earwax with over-the-counter drops or natural alternatives like olive or almond oil, and then allowing it to exit the ear canal gently through irrigation, such as during a shower or using a bulb syringe. This can be done at home or by a medical professional.
If you think you have a buildup of wax in your ears, your healthcare provider can examine your ear and recommend treatment options. They may also suggest over-the-counter ear drops or refer you to an ear, nose, and throat doctor for specialised cleaning.
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There is no evidence that ear candling works or is safe
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 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 associated risks and lack of scientific basis.
The risks of ear candling include burns, a perforated eardrum, hearing loss, and infection. The hot wax can cause burn injuries to the ear and face, and damage the ear canal. The candle could also push the natural ear wax deeper into the ear canal. There is a chance of developing a painful infection of the outer ear canal, called otitis externa, getting ash on the eardrum, and worst of all, perforating the eardrum. The American Academy of Otolaryngology does not support ear candling due to these safety risks and the lack of evidence of its effectiveness.
Additionally, the idea that passages in the head are all connected and can be cleared by ear candling is a myth. The eardrum acts as a solid barrier, preventing any impact beyond the external ear canal. A study found that there was no suction force created during a candling procedure, and the temperatures produced were too low to melt the wax. The debris inside burned candles is likely just residue from the candle wax, not proof that earwax and impurities have been removed.
Instead of ear candling, it is recommended to use over-the-counter wax softeners, hydrogen peroxide, or ear drops to dissolve and soften earwax. These methods can be done safely at home, although individuals with ear tubes or a hole in their eardrum should avoid certain substances as they can be harmful. If home remedies are ineffective or if there is excessive wax buildup causing discomfort or hearing issues, it is advised to consult a doctor or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
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Doctors advise against ear candling due to the risk of burns and ear damage
Ear candling is an alternative practice that involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear to create a low-level vacuum that supposedly softens and removes earwax and other impurities. While it is popular, there is no evidence that ear candling works or is safe. Major health authorities, such as the FDA, have warned of the dangers of ear candles for several years, and doctors advise against the practice due to the risk of burns and ear damage.
The risks associated with ear candling include burning the face, neck, eardrum, middle ear, or ear canal from hot wax or ash. These risks are significantly higher for children, who are more likely to move during the procedure, causing hot wax or ash to fall outside the protection of the covering. Additionally, children have smaller ear canals, making them more prone to blockages.
Another risk of ear candling is the potential for candle wax to drip into the ear canal, blocking the passage and causing temporary hearing loss. There are also reports of punctured eardrums and ruptured eardrums resulting from the procedure. Furthermore, the idea that the passages in the head are all connected and that clearing the ear canal will clean out the rest of the pathways is a myth. The eardrum separates the middle and inner ears from the external ear canal, preventing any vacuum effect from occurring.
Instead of ear candling, doctors recommend using over-the-counter wax softeners or 3% hydrogen peroxide to dissolve earwax at home. To use hydrogen peroxide, tilt your head to the side and drip 5 to 10 drops into your ear. Keep your head tilted for 5 minutes to allow the peroxide to penetrate the wax. Do this once a day for 3 to 14 days. After bubbling, hydrogen peroxide turns into water. To remove the water, gently rinse the ear canal with alcohol to avoid bacterial growth.
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Other home remedies for earwax removal include using hydrogen peroxide or olive oil
Hydrogen peroxide is a common home remedy for earwax removal. It is generally safe to use in all ears, but it should not be used if it irritates or causes pain. It is also not recommended for those with an ear infection, a perforated eardrum, or tympanostomy tubes in the ear. Over-the-counter (OTC) cerumenolytic solutions typically contain 3% hydrogen peroxide, which releases oxygen to soften, break up, or dissolve earwax. To use hydrogen peroxide for earwax removal, lie on your side with the affected ear facing up. Put a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide into your ear using a syringe or dropper. Allow the solution to bubble and fizz for a minute, then tilt your head to drain the excess solution onto a tissue or cotton ball.
Olive oil is another home remedy for earwax removal. It is generally considered safe to use, with rare side effects, which may include itching, dizziness, skin irritation, and inflammation of the outer ear canal. It is also not recommended for those with a ruptured eardrum. To use olive oil for earwax removal, lie on your side with the affected ear facing up. Gently pull the outer part of your ear back and up to open your ear canal. Put two or three drops of room temperature or slightly warmed olive oil in the opening of your ear. Gently massage the skin at the front of the entrance to help the oil work its way in. Remain on your side for 5 to 10 minutes, then wipe away any excess oil that drips from your ear when you sit up. Repeat this process once a day for one or two weeks. If you do not see any improvement, consult your doctor.
It is important to note that while these home remedies may be effective for some people, they may not work for everyone. If you are experiencing symptoms like fullness, hearing loss, or vertigo, it is recommended to consult a doctor, as these could be signs of an underlying medical condition.
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If home remedies don't work, seek medical advice for earwax removal
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 it due to safety concerns and possible side effects, such as burns and punctured eardrums.
If home remedies such as ear candling don't work, it is advisable to seek medical advice for earwax removal. Excessive earwax buildup can cause discomfort and affect your hearing. Your healthcare provider can examine your ear using a special tool called an otoscope, which lights up and magnifies the inner ear. They may use a small, curved tool called a curet or suction techniques to remove the wax. Alternatively, they might flush out the wax with a syringe filled with warm water, saline, or diluted hydrogen peroxide.
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter ear drops or other earwax-softening agents to help with wax removal. These products contain ingredients like carbamide peroxide, which can help soften the wax and allow it to exit the ear more easily. However, it is important to follow the directions carefully as these drops can irritate the delicate skin of the eardrum and ear canal.
In some cases, your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist, such as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, for further evaluation and treatment. These specialists have a range of techniques to remove earwax safely and effectively, ensuring your ears remain healthy and free from excessive wax buildup.
It is important to remember that earwax, or cerumen, is usually beneficial and keeps the ear canal moist. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties and helps protect the ear from dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms. Therefore, it is often best to leave it alone unless it is causing problems or discomfort.
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Frequently asked questions
No, medical experts advise against ear candling. There is no evidence that ear candling works and it can be dangerous. The American Academy of Otolaryngology does not support ear candling due to safety risks and the FDA has removed several products from the market.
There are several safe alternatives to ear candling, including over-the-counter wax softeners, hydrogen peroxide, or ear drops. These can be used in combination with ear irrigation methods such as a rubber bulb syringe filled with warm water.
Ear candling can cause serious harm to your ear. The flame or melted wax could burn you, and wax may even drip into your ear canal, causing a blockage or temporary hearing loss. There is also no proof that the dark substance left in the candle stub after a session is actually earwax.
