Ear candling, also known as ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is an alternative practice intended to remove earwax and other impurities from the ear canal. The procedure involves inserting a hollow, cone-shaped candle, typically made from fabric soaked in beeswax or paraffin, into the ear canal while the opposite end is lit. Proponents claim the flame creates a gentle vacuum effect to draw out debris. This article details the methodology of ear candling and provides context regarding its safety and effectiveness.
The Process of Ear Candling
The procedure is traditionally performed with the person lying on their side, with the ear to be treated facing upward. An assistant is necessary to safely manage the flame and the candle throughout the process. A protective barrier, such as a foil-wrapped paper plate or a damp towel, is often placed around the ear to catch dripping wax or ash.
The tapered end of the candle is gently placed just inside the external ear canal to create a secure seal. The assistant then lights the wider, top end of the candle. The candle should be held vertically throughout the burn; if smoke escapes near the ear, the seal may need slight adjustment.
The candle is allowed to burn for a set duration, often 10 to 20 minutes, or until the flame reaches a marked line. As the candle burns down, the assistant may periodically trim the charred material to prevent the flame from getting too large. The remaining candle stub is then carefully removed from the ear and extinguished in a bowl of water.
Understanding the Residue
After the candling session, a dark, waxy, or powdery substance is often found inside the remaining candle stub. Proponents claim this is extracted earwax and impurities. Scientific analysis, however, shows that this residue is not cerumen, the medical term for earwax, but is primarily composed of burnt candle wax, soot, and fabric combustion byproducts.
The theory that the burning candle creates a “chimney effect” or negative pressure to suction wax out of the ear has been scientifically tested. Studies using artificial ear canals confirmed that ear candling does not create a vacuum or negative pressure capable of removing earwax. This process can sometimes deposit candle wax and ash deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing an obstruction.
Safety Risks and Medical Opinion
Ear candling poses several physical risks, even when performed according to manufacturer instructions. The most common complication is thermal injury, including burns to the face, outer ear, ear canal, and eardrum, caused by the open flame or dripping hot wax.
Another serious danger is the possibility of candle wax dripping directly into the ear canal, which can obstruct the ear and cause temporary hearing loss. This foreign wax can become lodged against the eardrum. There are also documented instances of the eardrum becoming perforated, either from candle insertion or pressure changes.
Major medical organizations, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have issued warnings against ear candling. They state that it is both ineffective for earwax removal and inherently dangerous. The medical consensus is that there is no valid scientific evidence to support any purported health benefits of the practice.
Medically Recommended Alternatives for Earwax Removal
For managing minor earwax buildup at home, healthcare professionals recommend using over-the-counter softening agents, known as ceruminolytics. These include ear drops containing mineral oil, baby oil, hydrogen peroxide, or carbamide peroxide. These liquids are applied with a dropper to soften the earwax, allowing the body to naturally expel it over a few days.
If home remedies are insufficient, or if symptoms like ear pain, dizziness, or significant hearing loss are present, professional medical intervention is advised. A healthcare provider may perform ear irrigation, which involves gently flushing the ear canal with warm water to dislodge the softened wax.
The gold standard for professional earwax removal is microsuction, a procedure performed by a trained clinician using a specialized vacuum and microscope to safely remove the wax. It is important to avoid inserting any objects, such as cotton swabs or paper clips, into the ear canal, as this can push the wax deeper and potentially cause trauma.