Ear candling, also known as ear coning or thermal auricular therapy, is a practice where a person places a hollow, cone-shaped device into the ear canal and lights the opposite end. Proponents claim the heat creates a vacuum, or “chimney effect,” that draws out earwax, debris, and toxins from the inner ear and sinuses. This remedy is often touted as a natural method for managing conditions like earaches, sinus congestion, and tinnitus. The core claim is that the procedure provides a deep cleansing action for the ear, which is not supported by scientific evidence.
The Ear Candling Procedure
The process requires the person receiving the treatment to lie on their side, with the ear being treated facing upward. A protective plate or shield is often used around the base of the candle to catch dripping wax or ash. The tapered end of the candle, which is typically about ten inches long and made of fabric coated in beeswax or paraffin, is gently inserted into the ear opening.
The opposite, wider end is then lit by an assistant, who must remain present throughout the process to monitor the flame. The candle is allowed to burn for ten to twenty minutes, until it is a few inches from the person’s head. The burning candle is then extinguished, and the remaining stub is sometimes cut open to show the waxy residue, which practitioners claim is the removed earwax.
Scientific Consensus on Effectiveness
Scientific studies have investigated the claims of ear candling and consistently found that the procedure does not work as advertised. The central theory—that the burning candle creates a negative pressure strong enough to pull matter from the ear—is demonstrably false. Measurements taken within an ear canal model during candling confirm that no significant negative pressure is produced.
The residue found inside the candle stub after the process is not earwax or debris drawn from the ear canal. Chemical analysis shows this substance is a mixture of melted candle wax, fabric, and combustion byproducts, such as soot. In some cases, the candling procedure can actually push existing earwax deeper into the ear canal, worsening blockages. Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have issued warnings stating there is no scientific evidence to support the efficacy of ear candling for any medical purpose.
Proven Risks and Potential Injuries
Despite the claims of relaxation and cleansing, ear candling carries several physical dangers, even when performed with caution. The most frequent injuries are external burns to the face, outer ear, and scalp from dripping hot wax or falling ash. These burns can be severe, sometimes requiring medical attention.
The flame and hot materials pose a risk of internal injury to the delicate structures of the ear. Internal burns to the ear canal and the eardrum are documented complications. Hot candle wax can drip down the hollow core and solidify inside the ear canal, leading to new blockages that require professional removal. In severe cases, the procedure can lead to a puncture or rupture of the eardrum, resulting in temporary hearing loss and an increased risk of infection.
Medically Recommended Alternatives for Earwax Removal
For individuals experiencing a bothersome buildup of earwax, there are several safe, evidence-based alternatives. Over-the-counter softening agents are the first approach, using drops like mineral oil, olive oil, or hydrogen peroxide to loosen the wax. These softening agents, or cerumenolytics, are typically used for several days to allow the wax to naturally migrate out of the ear.
If softening agents are not sufficient, a medical professional can perform removal procedures. Ear irrigation involves flushing the ear canal with warm water or a saline solution to dislodge the wax. Another method is microsuction, where a doctor or audiologist uses a microscope and a small suction device to remove the excess wax. These professional techniques are considered the gold standard for managing impacted earwax and minimize the risk of damage to the ear.