Ear Candling (also called ear coning or thermal auricular therapy) is the latest alternative medicine that claims to, among other things, clear one’s sinuses, relieve earaches, improve hearing, and cleanse the mind.
The procedure involves a patient lying on his/her side with a special plate above their ear. A cone-shaped object covered in wax or paraffin is then stuck onto the ear and lit on fire. This is supposed to create a vacuum effect that draws impurities out of the ear.
Despite manufacturers’ grandiose claims, the FDA has noted that, “the product labeling is false and misleading in that there is no validated scientific evidence to support the efficacy of the product for its intended use.”
The act of ear candling is also dangerous. Ear candles have been known to push wax further down and drop hot candle wax into the ear canal.
There are numerous reported cases of hot candle was dripping onto and burning the user or obstructing the ear canal. Because of the stickiness of the wax, the pressure needed to create a vacuum could actually rupture the eardrum.
According to the Mayo Clinic, using an ear candle can result in:
- Deposits of candle wax in the ear canal.
- Burns to the face, hair, ear canal, eardrum, and middle ear.
- Perforation of the eardrum or other ear injuries.
There have been reports of home fires, hearing damage, and reconstructive surgeries related to the use of ear candles – none of which is necessary. The ear will usually take care of itself and should not be cleaned. Having ear wax in your ear actually protects it and helps keep it dry.
If you are interested in learning about the proper ear wax removal treatment, please call our office today 423-641-0956 to discuss and schedule an appointment today. Your hearing is our priority!