Brooke Martin
Ear candling is an alternative approach to 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 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 hazards. It can burn the skin, cause fires, and even worsen earwax buildup. Instead, it is recommended to use over-the-counter ear drops, oils, or irrigation methods to safely remove earwax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it? | Ear candling is an alternative approach for removing earwax. |
| How does it work? | A lit, hollow candle is placed in the ear to create a low-level vacuum that is supposed to soften and remove earwax, along with other impurities. |
| How long does it take? | Approximately 15 minutes. |
| Is it safe? | No, it is not safe. The FDA has warned consumers against ear candling because it can cause serious physical injuries, burn the skin, and cause wax to drop into the ear canal. |
| Are there any alternatives? | Yes, over-the-counter ear drops, oil, or glycerin drops, or irrigation are safer alternatives for removing earwax. |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare an ear candle
Ear candles are hollow tubes typically made from fabric soaked in beeswax, paraffin, or a combination of various natural ingredients. They are designed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the opposite end, creating a vacuum effect that supposedly draws out earwax. However, it is important to note that there is limited scientific evidence supporting this claim, and ear candling can pose serious risks to your health.
If you choose to proceed with ear candling, here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare an ear candle:
- Purchase or make a high-quality, all-natural ear candle: Look for ear candles made from high-quality, all-natural beeswax or soy wax, which are specifically designed for ear candling. These candles have a hollow centre that allows for smoke release and gentle suction. Avoid candles with added ingredients, as there is no scientific evidence of their therapeutic benefits.
- Size the candle to your ear: Ensure the candle fits comfortably in your ear by trimming the tapered end with scissors. Make the opening slightly larger so it fills your ear canal, but ensure there is a clear pathway from one end of the candle to the other.
- Prepare your environment: Create a calm and comfortable environment with good hygiene and cleanliness. Have a damp towel or moist cloth ready to wipe your ear before and after the procedure. You may also want to place a towel over your head and neck for extra protection from falling ash.
- Prepare your body: Wash your hands and rub the area behind your ear to relax and stimulate circulation. It is recommended to sit upright during the candling process to avoid any falling ash contacting your skin.
- Prepare a plate with a hole: Cut a hole in a paper, foil, or plastic plate and stick the candle through it. This will catch any wax drippings and prevent them from falling on your face or skin.
- Get assistance: It is recommended to have a friend or family member assist you with the procedure, as it can be difficult to perform ear candling by yourself.
Please note that the medical community, including the FDA, does not recommend ear candling due to its potential dangers and lack of effectiveness. There are safer alternatives to remove earwax, such as over-the-counter ear drops or professional ear cleaning by a doctor.
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How to insert an ear candle safely
Ear candling is a popular alternative method for removing ear wax. However, it is not recommended by experts due to the risk of serious injury and hearing complications. If you choose to proceed with ear candling, it is important to follow these steps to ensure maximum safety:
Firstly, prepare your space. Turn down the lights and play some soft music to create a relaxing atmosphere. Place a damp towel over your head and upper torso to prevent any flames or ashes from burning your skin. You should also cover your face and hair with a towel, leaving only your ear showing.
Next, position yourself comfortably on your side, resting your head on a pillow. It is important that you remain still for the duration of the treatment, which can be up to 15 minutes. If you are the one performing the treatment, ensure your own comfort by resting your hand on the recipient's head.
Now, you can begin the treatment. Place the tapered end of the candle in your ear canal, ensuring it is at a 30-degree angle. The candle should fit the contours of your ear, so you may need to trim the end with scissors to make the opening slightly larger. Check that there is a clear pathway through the candle. Light the large end of the candle with a match or lighter, being careful not to burn yourself. During the treatment, smoke should not be escaping from the ear or sides of the candle. If this occurs, adjust the candle accordingly. Hold the candle gently to prevent deformation and ensure the flow of air is not obstructed.
Finally, when the flame reaches a certain point, remove the candle from the ear and extinguish it in a glass of water. You should allow at least 48 hours between treatments and repeat no more than 5-7 times for best results.
Please note, this response is for informational purposes only. The safest way to remove ear wax is to consult a medical professional.
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Safe alternatives to ear candles
Ear candling, also known as ear coning, is a technique that involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear to create a vacuum that supposedly draws out earwax. Despite its popularity, there is no scientific evidence that ear candling is effective or safe. In fact, it poses several risks, including burns to the skin, fires, and wax blockage in the ear canal or eardrum.
See a doctor or specialist:
If you have excessive earwax buildup that is causing discomfort or hearing problems, it is best to consult a doctor or an otolaryngologist (ENT). They can safely and effectively remove earwax using various techniques and instruments specifically designed for this purpose, such as little scoopers, vacuums, or irrigation with water.
Over-the-counter ear drops:
Ear drops are a safe and effective way to soften and dislodge earwax. These can be purchased without a prescription and are easily accessible. Follow the manufacturer's directions for the correct dosage and waiting period before removing the softened wax.
Irrigation with water or hydrogen peroxide:
A few drops of water or hydrogen peroxide can be used to irrigate the ear canal and help remove earwax. Allow the liquid to drain into the wax for a few minutes, then turn your head to the side to let the liquid and wax slide out.
Oil:
Using oil, such as olive oil, is another alternative to soften earwax. While there is limited scientific research on its benefits, it is not associated with serious injuries. Fill a dropper with oil and administer it into the ear canal.
Bulb syringe:
Using a bulb syringe, especially during a shower, can help irrigate and remove earwax. This method is often recommended by healthcare providers as a safe and effective alternative to ear candling.
Remember, earwax removal should be approached with caution. Avoid inserting small objects into the ear canal, as this can push the wax deeper and cause further complications. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns or if at-home remedies are ineffective.
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Risks and side effects of ear candling
Ear candling is a method some people use to remove earwax from their ears. However, this method is not recommended by healthcare professionals and may be dangerous. There is no proof that ear candling is effective, and it has no proven medical benefits. It is a scientifically unproven and potentially unsafe alternative remedy.
- Burning the face, neck, eardrum, middle ear, or ear canal from hot wax or ash. The risk of burning increases when children are involved as they tend to move around during the procedure, allowing hot wax or ash to fall outside the protection of the covering.
- Residual candle wax in the ear, which can cause serious discomfort and impact hearing.
- Puncturing the eardrum, leading to extreme discomfort, hearing loss, and other complications.
- Pushing earwax further into the ear canal, similar to using a cotton swab.
- Hair catching on fire or hot wax trickling into the eye.
- Ear infections: By practicing ear candling instead of seeking medical attention, people might allow underlying infections and other conditions requiring proper treatment to worsen.
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Scientific evidence for ear candling
Ear candling is a practice where a lit candle is inserted into the ear canal to draw out earwax and other impurities. While it is advertised as a cure for many conditions, from wax buildup to ringing in the ears, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
A literature search from 1976 to 2006 revealed few references in the scientific literature and no case reports in peer-reviewed journals. There is no reliable information about how many people use ear candling, but one supplier in the UK sold 100 to 200 ear candles every month, and there are many suppliers advertising online.
The claimed mechanism of action for ear candling has not been verified, and no positive clinical effects have been reliably recorded. There is no evidence that ear candling is an effective treatment for any condition. In fact, it is associated with considerable risk and has been shown to cause serious injuries. The FDA has warned consumers against ear candling because it can cause serious physical injuries, and has sent warnings to and seized products from manufacturers and retailers.
The belief is that the warmth of the candle's flame creates a vacuum, generating suction that pulls earwax and debris into the candle. However, one study found that there was no suction force during the procedure. The temperatures produced by the candle were below body temperature, too low to melt the wax. Additionally, the debris inside burned candles, thought to be the impurities removed from the ear, has been shown to be present even when the candle has not been near an ear.
There are safer alternatives to ear candling for removing earwax, including over-the-counter ear drops, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda and water.
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Frequently asked questions
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 that is supposed to soften and remove earwax along with other impurities.
Cut a hole in a paper plate and stick the candle through it. Lie on your side and place the candle in your ear canal. Get someone to light the opposite end and let it burn for about 15 minutes. After blowing out the flame, the candle can be cut open, and some believe that the wax and debris inside are what was removed from the ear.
Yes, ear candling is not approved by the FDA and is considered potentially dangerous by many medical professionals. It can cause burns, blockages in the ear canal, ear infections, and eardrum perforations. There is also a risk of hot wax or ash burning your face or ears, and your hair catching fire.
Yes, over-the-counter ear drops can be used to soften and dislodge earwax. Alternatively, a few drops of water or 3% hydrogen peroxide can be dripped into the ear canal and then drained out. If these methods do not work, it is recommended to see a doctor for a professional cleaning.
There is no scientific evidence that ear candling is effective for removing earwax. Studies have found no suction force during the procedure, and the temperature produced is too low to melt the wax.
