Ear Candling is an alternative medicine meant to remove ear wax, however, it is also believed by some to cure sinus pain, cure ear infections, help relieve tinnitus, and strengthen the brain. Although ear candling is a popular alternative medicine, it has no basis in actual science and has been largely discredited.
Ear Candling starts with a hollow tube around 10 inches long made out of cotton or linen. The candle is then dipped into beeswax, allowing it to harden. Users lie on their side on a towel, and place the candle directly into their ear canal, lighting the opposite end of the candle to let it burn for fifteen to twenty minutes. They then turn over, and repeat with the other ear.
According to proponents, what’s supposed to happen is that as the candle burns, it creates a suction that pulls wax and debris out of your ear. This theory is called the “chimney effect.” Other proponents suggest that the heat from the candle melts and softens the wax, which will fall out over the next couple of days. Ear candling can be performed by beauticians, alternative therapists, or by anyone using an at-home kit.
However, ear candling is not backed by science. In fact, it is completely discredited. In one study, scientists tested the theory that suction is created, which gets rid of your ear wax, by creating an artificial ear canal and measuring the pressure within it during candling. The experiment showed that no suction effect was created during candling, disproving the chimney effect. However, they did find that a powder was deposited on the artificial tympanic membrane as ear candling was carried out.
When the powder was analysed by the scientists using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, it was found to constitute multiple alkanes that are found in candle wax, meaning that ear candling actually left debris in the ear canal.
Another experiment conducted by Health Canada was to examine the theory that the wax in the ear will fall out over the next couple of days after a candling has been performed. Health Canada tested this theory by measuring the air temperature 10 mm from the base of the candle while it was burning. The highest temperature reached was 22º Celsius, well below core body temperature, meaning that it would be impossible for melting to occur within the ear canal.
As well as being completely ineffective, ear candling can be dangerous. The FDA has warned against the practice of Ear Candling since 2010. Negative side effects include a high risk of burning the face, neck, hair, eardrum, middle ear, or ear canal from hot wax or ash, puncturing the eardrum, blocking the eardrum with candle wax, contracting secondary infections, experiencing temporary hearing loss and bleeding.
Despite popular belief, earwax itself is actually good for you. A certain amount can be helpful and protect your eardrums from dust, dirt and debris, as well as prevent the ear from becoming dry and itchy. Without earwax, your ear canal will become dry, waterlogged, and more prone to infection.
However, if your earwax has become a problem, there are safer ways to remove the wax. The first option should always be going to your doctor and getting a medical professional to remove the earwax safely. Earwax removal can be a delicate process. However, if a medical professional is not an option, the best way to get rid of earwax is over-the-counter ear drops.
Another way to remove ear wax is to put a few drops of water or hydrogen peroxide down your ear. Never stick objects in your ear to get rid of wax buildup. This can push the wax deeper into your ear, which makes the problem worse. Although ear candling is a popular alternative medicine, it has no scientific basis and has been proven to not work.
No evidence has ever suggested that ear candling is an effective treatment for any condition, from sinus pain to removing ear wax. It is harmful and if performed wrong, can cause severe damage to the ear – in short, it does far more harm than good.
