Pros and Cons of Ear Candling

The technique of ear candling, also known as ear coning, involves lighting one end of a hollow candle and inserting the other end into a person's ear canal with the aim of promoting health and well-being. Ear candles are hollow fabric cones coated with paraffin wax. The typical length of ear candles is one foot. The candle's pointed end is inserted into your ear. The end that is marginally broader is illuminated. Many people believe that the suction caused by the candle's flame is what actually removes the earwax and other debris from the ear canal and deposits them in the hollow candle.

Nevertheless, ear candling has no scientific foundation. None of the assertions claimed regarding its miracles have ever been supported by research. Even when it works, ear candling is a bad way to get rid of the wax. The worst-case scenario is that it will damage your ear severely. Ear candling raises the possibility of burns to the face, external ear, eardrum, and inner ear burns from igniting a fire ruptured eardrums, surgically repaired ear canal obstructions, secondary ear canal infections, hearing problems, ash coating the eardrum, and other injuries.

Pros

Ear candling is a form of alternative medicine that many people find relaxing and calming, much like a massage or yoga. Ear candling is viewed as an alternative to potentially more invasive medical procedures, such as syringing or suctioning. Ear candling proponents assert that it can restore hearing loss, heighten the senses, and heal sinus infections, allergies, sinus discomfort, ringing in the ears, clogged ears, and ear pain. Nevertheless, these assertions are not supported by any credible scientific evidence.

Cons

Ear candling has a number of drawbacks. Minor burns are one of the most frequently mentioned drawbacks of ear candling. The wax might fall onto the cheeks or the area in and around the ears. Due to the heat generated during the procedure, some redness can also be seen. If not handled correctly, ear candles can also result in severe injuries like facial burns or eardrum punctures. The FDA has issued a strong warning to the public against the use of ear candles due to the serious health concerns they present.

FAQ's

Is ear candling safe?

Ear candling is dangerous and can seriously damage the ear. The FDA has issued a warning against the use of ear candles, saying that even when used correctly, they pose a risk of significant injury to the user or their patient. The FDA further stated that they had not established any reliable scientific evidence to back up the efficacy of ear candling. Wax removal using ear candles is not recommended because it could cause serious harm.

Ear candling vs Ear cleaning

Candling the ears is a pseudoscientific alternative medicine procedure that claims to remove wax, germs, and other debris from the ear canal. Unfortunately, it can seriously injure the ear and is not an efficient approach to eliminating wax. The ear canal can be cleaned safely and effectively to get rid of extra wax via a proper ear-cleaning process. The wax is first loosened with a softener or irrigation solution, and then it is removed with water. Audiologists or ENT doctors are appropriate healthcare providers for ear cleaning.

How often should I get ear candling?

Most people only require 2 or 3 sessions of ear candling to get their ears clean at first. Some patients, however, may require as many as eight sessions spread out over a period of six months. Once your ears are cleaned, the frequency of ear candling should be decided by personal choice. Practically, it should be done every three to six months.

Do ear candles help clogged ears?

No scientific data suggests that ear candling removes dirt from the ear canal. Candling does not appear to reduce the amount of earwax that is present in the ear canals, according to measurements taken both before and after the treatment with candles. Much more wax was discovered by researchers as a result of the candles' wax deposits. When it comes to ear wax, candles are not a safe solution because they can cause major injuries. Ear candling is risky to your health and has no known advantages.

What are the possible side effects of ear candling?

It is unsafe to remove the wax using ear candling since it can seriously injure the ear. Eardrum perforations, hearing loss, ash-coated eardrums, burns, secondary ear canal infections, and ear canal blockages are among the potential negative effects of ear candling. Cleaning the ears is a safe and effective way to get rid of earwax buildup. The wax must first be loosened with a softener or irrigation solution before being washed away with water. A medical expert who specializes in ENT or audiology should clean your ears.