Ben Carter
Ear candling, also known as ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is a popular alternative medicine practice used to remove earwax. It involves placing a lit, cone-shaped candle made of cotton or linen soaked in beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax into the ear canal. While some people find it relaxing, there is no scientific evidence supporting its efficacy or safety. Major health authorities, including the FDA, have warned of the risks associated with ear candling, such as burns and injuries, especially in children. If you need to remove earwax, it is recommended to consult a doctor or try safe at-home treatments such as over-the-counter ear drops or hydrogen peroxide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length of ear candles | 10 inches |
| Ear candle material | Cotton or linen |
| Ear candle shape | Cone |
| Substances used to soak the ear candle | Beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax |
| Who performs ear candling | Herbalist, massage therapist, or beauty salon specialist |
| Ear candling duration | 10-20 minutes |
| Safety | Not approved by the FDA |
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What You'll Learn
What is ear candling?
Ear candling, also known as ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is a practice that involves placing a lit, cone-shaped candle into the ear canal. The candle is typically made of cotton or linen, soaked in beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax, and allowed to harden. The candle is then inserted into the ear and lit, with the burnt material being trimmed away as the candle burns. The session is complete when the candle stub is a few inches from the person's head, usually after several minutes. The flame is then carefully extinguished, and the outer ear is wiped clean.
Proponents of ear candling claim that it is an effective method for removing earwax, improving hearing, and treating various conditions such as ear infections, congestion, and even tinnitus. They believe that the heat and smoke from the candle create a vacuum, drawing out impurities and earwax. Additionally, some people find the process relaxing and soothing due to the warmth and crackling sound of the burning candle.
However, despite its popularity, ear candling is not recommended by medical experts due to safety concerns and a lack of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against the use of ear candles, stating that they pose several health risks, including burning the skin, hair catching fire, and wax dripping into the ear canal or eardrum. There have been cases of patients experiencing pain, reduced hearing, and even candle debris in the eardrum after ear candling.
It is important to note that earwax is a self-cleansing and lubricating substance for the ear canal, and most people do not need additional cleaning. In cases of excessive earwax buildup or discomfort, it is advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare professional for safe and effective removal methods.
Overall, while ear candling may be seen as a natural remedy for ear-related issues, the potential risks and lack of scientific evidence make it a questionable practice.
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Is ear candling safe??
Ear candling, also known as ear coning, is a popular alternative practice for removing ear wax. It involves placing a long, hollow, wax-covered paper tube (10 to 15 inches) into the ear canal and lighting the exposed end. The burning candle is believed to create a vacuum that draws out ear wax and can purportedly address issues like ringing in the ears and sinus pressure.
However, ear candling is not considered a safe option for wax removal due to the risk of serious injury. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved ear candles for medical use and has issued warnings to manufacturers, even seizing products and stopping their import. The procedure can cause burns, obstruction of the ear canal with wax, and perforation of the eardrum, resulting in temporary hearing loss. It can also be risky as holding a lit candle close to the face may cause burns or melted wax dripping into the ear canal.
Medical professionals advise against ear candling, as there is no evidence of its effectiveness or safety. The ear has a self-cleaning system, and most people do not require additional cleaning beyond occasional over-the-counter ear drops or home irrigation methods. If excessive wax buildup causes discomfort or hearing issues, it is recommended to consult a doctor for safe wax removal techniques performed by a medical professional.
While some proponents of ear candling claim that it softens and removes wax and impurities, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Studies have found no suction force during the procedure, and the temperatures produced are too low to melt the wax. Furthermore, the debris found in burned candles can also occur without proximity to an ear canal, refuting the idea that it is proof of earwax removal.
In conclusion, ear candling is not a safe method for earwax removal and can lead to injuries and complications, especially in children. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for advice and treatment options that are safe and effective.
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What are the risks?
Ear candling is an alternative remedy that some people use to draw out impurities and wax from the inner ear. However, it is not without its risks.
Firstly, ear candling can be dangerous as it involves an open flame and melting wax close to the face and hair. There is a strong possibility that you could burn yourself or that your hair could catch fire. Wax can also drip into the ear, and the hot wax can cause burns in the ear canal or eardrum. The ear candling process can also push earwax further into the ear canal, worsening any blockage.
Secondly, there is no scientific evidence that ear candling is effective or safe. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned people to avoid the practice and related products since 2010. The FDA has also sent warnings to and seized products from ear candle manufacturers and retailers. A clinical trial showed no removal of earwax from the external auditory canal, and instead, candle wax was deposited in some. A survey of 122 otolaryngologists identified 21 ear injuries resulting from ear candle use.
Thirdly, ear candling can be especially dangerous for children, who are at a higher risk of injuries and complications. Children are more prone to move during the procedure, allowing hot wax or ash to fall outside the protection of the covering. They also have smaller ear canals, making them more prone to blockages.
Finally, by practicing ear candling, people might allow underlying infections and other conditions to worsen as they are not seeking proper medical treatment. It is always best to consult a doctor when experiencing ear problems, and there are other safe and proven methods for removing earwax, such as over-the-counter ear drops or irrigation with water or hydrogen peroxide.
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Are there any benefits??
There is no scientific evidence that ear candling is beneficial or safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved ear candles for any medical use. The FDA has also warned against using lit candles close to the face, highlighting the risk of "potentially severe skin/hair burns and middle ear damage".
The American Academy of Otolaryngology also does not support the use of ear candling due to the lack of evidence that it works and its associated safety risks. Medical experts advise against trying ear candling.
Despite the popularity of ear candling, medical professionals have expressed doubt about its supposed benefits. Dr. Adam Pearl, MD, Chief of Otolaryngology at Bridgeport Hospital, states that he has "cleaned out many ears from people that say 'Oh, I just had my ear candled,' and we look in the ear and the ear canal is still blocked with excessive wax that needs to be removed".
Proponents of ear candling claim that it softens earwax and removes wax and impurities from the ear. They also believe that ear candling can treat various conditions, including sinus infections and colds. However, it is important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
While ear candling may be tempting for those seeking alternative remedies, it is essential to prioritize safety and consult a healthcare professional for advice on safe and effective earwax removal methods.
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What are the alternatives?
While ear candling is a popular alternative medicine practice, it is not approved by the FDA and is not recommended by doctors due to safety concerns and a lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness.
If you are experiencing discomfort due to earwax buildup, there are several safer alternatives to ear candling that can be performed at home or by a doctor. Here are some recommended alternatives:
Consult a healthcare professional:
Your healthcare provider can examine your ears using a special tool called an otoscope, which lights and magnifies the inner ear. They can then determine the best course of action for safe and effective earwax removal. This may include the use of a small, curved tool called a curet or suction techniques to remove excess wax. They may also recommend safe at-home treatments or provide a professional ear cleaning using a syringe filled with warm water, saline, or diluted hydrogen peroxide.
Over-the-counter ear drops:
Ear drops are a safe and effective way to soften and dislodge earwax. These drops can be purchased over the counter and may contain carbamide peroxide or other ingredients. Follow the manufacturer's directions for use, as these drops can irritate the delicate skin of the eardrum and ear canal if not used properly.
Irrigation with water or hydrogen peroxide:
A few drops of water or hydrogen peroxide can be dripped into the ear canal and allowed to drain into the wax for a few minutes. Then, turn your head to the side to let the liquid and loosened wax slide out. This method is simple and safe but should be done carefully to avoid pushing wax deeper into the ear.
Oil:
Using oil is another home remedy for softening earwax. Fill a dropper with olive oil and tilt your head to add 2-3 drops to the affected ear. Wait for a few minutes, and then use a tissue to wipe away any excess oil. Repeat this process twice a day for one to two weeks. While there isn't extensive research on its benefits, the use of oil is not linked to serious injuries.
Bulb syringe irrigation:
A bulb syringe can be used to irrigate the ear and remove excess wax. This method involves filling the syringe with warm water and gently flushing out the ear canal. It is important to follow the manufacturer's directions and use the syringe properly to avoid injury.
These alternatives to ear candling are generally considered safer and more effective. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing persistent or severe symptoms related to earwax buildup.
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Frequently asked questions
Ear candling is the practice of placing a lit, cone-shaped candle into the ear to remove wax, improve hearing, and cure ear infections.
No, the FDA has not approved ear candles for any medical use. Experts advise against it due to safety hazards and there is no evidence that it works.
Some alternatives to ear candling include over-the-counter ear drops, hydrogen peroxide, or olive oil to soften and dislodge earwax. If these do not work, it is best to consult a doctor for professional cleaning.
