The ear-candling process, also called ear coning, involves placing a hollow cone coated in paraffin or beeswax into the ear canal.
These devices may be marketed as ear wax candles or earwax candles, even though they are not proven ear-cleaning tools.
However, this practice has been linked to serious side effects, including burns, candle-wax blockage, and damage to the ear canal or hearing.
If you believe you need ear cleaning or ear wax removal, we highly encourage seeing an audiologist. Atlantic Hearing Care provides professional ear wax removal in Peabody, MA, and Swampscott, MA.
Do Ear Candles Work?
People may also wonder: Do ear wax candles work for impacted wax? Research has found that an earwax candle does not create the negative pressure needed to draw wax from the ear canal.
Its heat is also too low to melt earwax.
Therefore, ear candles are not considered a safe or effective treatment for earwax or other ear problems.
If you have persistent earwax or other ear symptoms, an audiologist can examine your ears and recommend an appropriate treatment.
Atlantic Hearing Care connects you to expert audiologists in Swampscott, MA, and Peabody, MA.
How Is Ear Candling Done?
An ear wax removal candle is a hollow cone coated in paraffin or beeswax. It is placed inside the ear canal before the exposed end is lit.
Supporters of ear candle wax removal claim that the heat creates suction that draws earwax, bacteria, and debris from the ear. However, research has not found evidence that this suction occurs.
What about the debris collected by ear candles after the candling procedure?
Ear candles are primarily marketed as a natural way to remove impurities from the ear. But in reality, upon closer examination, the same residue appears even when an ear candle is burned without being placed inside an ear.
The residue left inside the device is ear candle wax mixed with burned fabric—not earwax or impurities extracted from the ear canal.
Ear Candles – A Health Fad
There are numerous health fads surfacing every now and then, causing a ripple among consumers and making them veer away from tried and tested solutions.
Such is the case with ear candles.
Ear candling is one health fad that has gained some attention online because of its supposed ability to remove earwax. However, without any scientific basis, this health fad may bring more harm than good.
Are ear candles FDA-approved?
The FDA has not approved ear candles for removing earwax and considers them dangerous when used as advertised.
Using a lit candle near the face can cause serious burns and ear damage.
Because the proposed benefits have not been demonstrated, the risks outweigh any claimed benefits.
The Potential Risks of Ear Candles
It is important to understand the potential risks of ear candles before you buy or use them. Consult with an audiologist if you have any ear issues or concerns. The ears are very delicate and sensitive so it’s encouraged to put safety first rather than experimenting with unproven and risky methods like ear candles.
Ear candles can cause burns to the external parts of your ears and damage hearing due to hot wax melting in the ear canal.
Studies have not shown that ear candles work, which is why it’s important to consult with an audiologist for any problems concerning the ears.
Removing Earwax Safely
Earwax removal is a delicate process. While over-the-counter ear drops can be used for mild earwax problems, persistent or impacted earwax is a whole other story.
A visit to a hearing clinic is the safest way to get rid of earwax. Audiologists have special tools and equipment to keep the ears clean and at their prime functioning levels.
Hearing Clinic MA
Atlantic Hearing Care offers better hearing through premium and personalized hearing care services.
We provide professional ear wax removal in Swampscott, MA and Peabody, MA.
Call us today to schedule an appointment with expert audiologists in Massachusetts!