The hot wax can cause burn injuries to the ear and face and damage the ear canal. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers against using ear candling, noting that the risks are high and that there is “no valid scientific evidence for any medical benefit from their use,” said the agency. “Researchers have also analyzed the brown residue or debris at the end of the candle and it doesn’t have any components of normal ear wax, but rather anticlimactically, it’s just the burnt beeswax from the candle,” she said. Zhao notes that researchers have performed studies on the process and effects of ear candling and the results have shown that ear candles don’t produce any negative pressure, meaning there is no suction. What do experts say about ear candling?ĭr. Supporters tout a list of claims that range from treating clogged ears, ear aches, ringing in the ears, sinus infections and allergies, to reversing hearing loss and sharpening the senses. The seemingly miraculous claims from ear candling go beyond hygiene.

It’s produced by the outer two-thirds of the ear canal. Medically known as “cerumen,” ear wax is a naturally occurring substance that serves to clean, protect and lubricate the ear canal. At the end of ear candling, what’s left are the candle stub and a dark substance thought to be ear wax.

The far end of the candle is lit and the heat allegedly produces suction that is supposed to draw out the ear wax, debris and bacteria from inside the ear canal. What is ear candling?Īlso known as “ear coning,” this technique involves placing a hollow candle soaked in beeswax or paraffin inside the ear. Eye and Ear, she tells Focus that there are concerns about this widespread practice and the serious consequences it may cause - especially on young ears. In an interview with Cher (Xue) Zhao, MD, a pediatric ear, nose, and throat specialist at Mass. Yet, without having any scientific basis, its practitioners guarantee that it will not only remove ear wax, but also treat other ear conditions.Īlso alarming, are adults who advocate for this practice online who are in favor of performing it on children and adolescents, not considering the dangers and potential permanent repercussions it could cause to their ear development. Ear candling is one health fad that has become increasingly popular online for ear wax removal. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that a substantial following doesn’t equate to scientific expertise, and some health fads may cause more harm than benefit. In the era of trending news and hashtags, it’s easy to be impressed by social media influencers and their health trends, which oftentimes can be outlandish.

Cher (Xue) Zhao tells Focus that this practice is not only an unsafe method to clean your ears, it could also put your hearing in danger. Have you thought about performing ear candling on yourself or your child to remove excess ear wax buildup? Dr.

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