Ear candling, also known as thermal auricular therapy or ear coning, is an alternative health practice involving the placement of a lit, hollow, cone-shaped candle into the ear canal. The candle is typically made of fabric soaked in beeswax or paraffin. Medical and scientific communities regard this practice as ineffective and associated with physical harm. This article examines the claims made by proponents, the scientific reality of earwax removal, and the safety hazards.
The Theory Behind Ear Candling
Proponents suggest the procedure functions through the “chimney effect.” The heat from the lit end supposedly creates a vacuum or negative pressure inside the hollow cone. This suction is claimed to draw out earwax, debris, and impurities, including bacteria and toxins, from the ear canal and sinuses.
The procedure often lasts around 10 to 15 minutes per ear. Practitioners claim the dark, waxy residue found inside the candle stub is proof of extracted material, often presented as accumulated earwax and other waste. Another theory suggests the heat simply warms the earwax, causing it to liquefy so it can exit the ear naturally over the following days.
Manufacturers sometimes claim the practice can treat a wide range of conditions beyond simple wax removal. These include relieving sinus discomfort, headaches, vertigo, and tinnitus. These claims suggest a connection between the external ear canal and deeper structures like the middle ear and nasal passages.
Why Ear Candles Do Not Remove Earwax
Investigations into the core claims of ear candling consistently find no evidence of efficacy. Studies measuring the pressure generated by a burning ear candle, often using ear canal models, demonstrate that no measurable negative pressure or vacuum is created. The slight pressure changes that occur are far too small to overcome the adherence of earwax to the canal walls.
The dark, waxy substance left inside the candle stub is not cerumen (earwax). Analysis shows it is a near-identical composition to the candle itself, consisting of combustion materials, unburned wax, and fabric. This residue forms whether the candle is burned in an ear or held in the open air, debunking the claim that it is extracted ear debris.
Furthermore, instead of removing earwax, the procedure can often worsen existing blockages. Melted candle wax and ash frequently drip down into the ear canal, where they can solidify and form a new obstruction. This foreign material can push existing earwax deeper into the canal, compounding the problem and requiring medical removal.
Documented Safety Hazards
The risks associated with ear candling are well-documented by medical professionals. The presence of an open flame near the face poses a significant risk of physical harm. Burns to the face, outer ear, ear canal, and hair are commonly reported injuries, caused by the flame or hot, dripping wax and ash.
Introducing foreign material into the ear canal is another serious hazard. The melted candle wax or ash can fall directly into the ear, creating a blockage that may lead to temporary hearing loss or infection. In some cases, this solidified wax requires surgical removal under general anesthesia, as documented in medical case reports.
A severe risk is the perforation or puncture of the eardrum, which can occur if the candle is inserted too deeply or if hot wax reaches the membrane. Perforation results in significant pain, hearing loss, and an increased risk of middle ear infection. Major organizations like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada have issued warnings advising consumers against using ear candles due to these dangers.