Exposing the dangers of ear cleaning, part 2: the pros and cons of ear candling

photo of a candlePhoto byPaolo NicolelloonUnsplash

This article is part 2 in a series on cleaning, or not cleaning your ears. Part 1, Exposing the dangers of ear cleaning, park 1: Q-tip history, and practices to avoid and many other sites state the importance of nature-created earwax, and that if you leave it alone, it will protect your ears from bacteria and fungus.

But if you must clean them and don’t want to use cotton swabs, or over-the-counter drops, or those haven’t been effective, you may have considered ear candling.

Verywelhealth.com lists the pros and cons but seems to lean against the practice. “Ear candling is an alternative approach for removing earwax. It involves placing a lit, hollow candle in your ear to create a low-level vacuum that softens earwax and pulls it out, along with other impurities. While popular, there is no evidence that ear candling works or that it is safe. Medical experts advise that you do not try it.”

Ear candles, about 10 inches long, are “made of cotton or linen that’s been tightly wound into a cone shape. The candle is soaked in beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax, and allowed to harden.” This process will pull out impacted earwax and purports to treat many conditions such as sinus inflammation, ringing in the ears, vertigo, and infections.

Those against the practice claim that cures for any of those conditions is not likely as “they involve the middle ear, sinuses, Eustachian tubes, and nasal passages. The eardrum separates these structures from the external ear canal, where the candle is placed...any changes in the external canal would not affect anything beyond this membrane.” The American Academy of Otolaryngology stands against ear candling due to lack of evidence of effectiveness, and the inherent risks. These can include burns from the wax or flame, obstruction in the canal from candle wax, perforated ear drum, or infection.

Facty teases several benefits of ear candling, but none seem grounded in fact. From the reading, it appears that this process may remove and alleviate the symptoms of excess earwax but doesn't provide a remedy. It doesn’t state conclusively that it cures infection, sinusitis or vertigo.

monkey looking in a mirrorPhoto byAndre MoutononUnsplash

It may not be safe per se, but potentially safer than other options. “Ear candling is not as invasive as pumping water inside the ear, nor is it dangerous as inserting sharp objects…Ear candling provides an excellent, soothing treatment. It doesn’t cure you of your tinnitus but is instead an efficient form of therapy.”

A search on Amazon features ear candles, home flushing systems, and even a frightening tool kit with what look like dental tools. Any of these home cures should probably be avoided if you want to maintain your hearing.

dental instrumentsPhoto byJon TysononUnsplash

This author attempted to find evidence that showed ear candling was effective and safe but found only suggestions that it may offer relief. Even Holisticzine warns about the risks as did other on sites promoting homeopathic treatments for other conditions.

herbsPhoto byAnnie SprattonUnsplash

Bottom line, leave your ears alone, and as the old saying goes, don’t put anything bigger than your elbow into your ear.