Is Candle Ear Waxing Effective and Safe?

The Process of Ear Candling

Ear candling involves the use of hollow tubes, typically around 10 inches in length, also known as ear cones or auricular candles.

These candles are fashioned from tightly wound cotton or linen, shaped into a conical form. They are saturated with beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax, allowing them to solidify.

Ear candling may be administered by an alternative health care practitioner. Some individuals also endeavor to perform it independently at home, though this is not recommended.

Here is the sequence of events during an ear candling session:

1. The session concludes when the remaining candle stub is positioned a few inches away from your head, a process that generally takes several minutes.
2. The candle is carefully extracted, its flame is extinguished, and the outer ear is meticulously cleansed using a cotton ball or pad.
3. You recline on one side, with the designated ear facing upwards.
4. The candle is inserted through a hole in a paper or foil plate to catch any dripping wax.
5. The candle is gently placed into your external ear canal and subsequently ignited.
6. As the candle burns, burnt material is periodically trimmed away.

Ear Candling Benefits

Advocates of ear candling assert that it has the ability to soften earwax and extract wax and impurities from the ear. In addition, they propose that ear candling can potentially address the following issues:

• Vertigo (dizziness)
• Middle ear infection (otitis media)
• Sinus pain
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Sinusitis

Supporters of this practice put forth the notion that the dark, waxy residue occasionally found within the hollow candle stub after a session serves as evidence that ear candling is effective in removing earwax and other debris.

Nonetheless, it is improbable that ear candling provides benefits for these conditions, as they primarily involve the middle ear, sinuses, Eustachian tubes, and nasal passages. The eardrum acts as a barrier between these internal structures and the external ear canal where the candling takes place. Consequently, any alterations occurring in the external canal would have minimal impact beyond this membrane.

A study revealed that ear candles do not create the vacuum or negative pressure suggested, and the “residues” observed after a session are actually substances from the candle, not earwax.

Furthermore, the researchers noted that ear candling not only fails to eliminate earwax from the ear canal, but often results in the presence of candle wax residue within the ear.

Certain manufacturers of ear candles claim that the smoke generated by burning candles contributes to drying the ear canal. They contend that this smoke stimulates the natural elimination of:

• Parasites
• Other debris
• Wax
• Dead cells
• Pollen
• Mold

However, there is no substantiated evidence supporting any of these assertions regarding the effects of ear candling.

Side Effects and Safety of Ear Candling

The American Academy of Otolaryngology advises against attempting ear candling due to the lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness and the potential risks it presents.

Significant potential hazards associated with ear candling include:

• Burns resulting from the heat of the wax and flame (most prevalent)
• Blockage or obstruction of the ear canal caused by dripping wax
• Perforation (tearing) of the eardrum
• Hearing impairment
• Outer ear infection (otitis externa)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions against using ignited candles in close proximity to the face. The FDA emphasises that ear candling carries a substantial risk of “potentially severe skin/hair burns and middle ear damage,” even when adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Despite some practitioners utilizing a plate to catch dripping wax and employing a towel or cloth for additional protection, the inherent risk of injury persists. Additionally, there is a potential danger of ignited ear candles igniting a fire.

In a documented case report, a patient experienced the following outcomes after ear candling:

• Residual candle wax within the ear
• A perforated eardrum
• Hearing loss

Medical professionals attending to the patient concluded that ear candling “may cause more harm than benefit” and recommended that healthcare providers discourage its practice.

It’s important to note that ear candling poses heightened risks for individuals with existing eardrum perforations, infants, and young children.

Effective Methods for Managing Earwax

It’s important to understand that earwax does not necessarily require removal. In fact, earwax serves beneficial purposes by cleansing, lubricating, and safeguarding the ear canal against potential bacterial and fungal intrusions.

The human ear possesses a self-regulating mechanism that naturally eliminates earwax whenever necessary, making additional cleaning measures unnecessary for most individuals.

Nevertheless, some individuals may occasionally experience discomfort due to earwax buildup. In certain cases, the self-cleaning process may falter, resulting in cerumen impaction, a situation where the ear canal becomes obstructed with accumulated earwax.

Indications of an earwax blockage may include:

• Temporary hearing impairment
• Dizziness
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

If you suspect an excess of earwax in your ears, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider for examination and safe removal, if deemed necessary.

Alternatively, your healthcare provider might suggest using hydrogen peroxide drops to gently soften the accumulated wax, which can then be removed at home using a bulb syringe.

It’s crucial to note that using a cotton swab is not recommended, as it can inadvertently push the earwax deeper into the ear canal, potentially exacerbating the situation.

In Brief

Ear candling is an unconventional technique where a lit, hollow candle is inserted into the ear purportedly to remove earwax. Contrary to claims made by advocates, there is no substantiated proof supporting the efficacy or therapeutic value of ear candling for any medical condition.

The potential risks associated with ear candling, such as burns, eardrum perforation, and hearing impairment, are significant. If you are experiencing discomfort that you believe is connected to earwax, it is advisable to avoid ear candling and instead seek guidance from your healthcare provider.