Ear candles
Here we look at the claims for Ear candles.
Treatment details
Type
Device
Safety
Evidence of harm
Efficacy
Evidence that it is not effective
Recommended?
No
The makers claim
Claims to remove ear wax, which may be the cause of tinnitus.
Other claims for ear candling include treatment of sinusitis, vertigo, glue ear and reducing stress.
What is the treatment?
A hollow tube of fabric that has been wound into a cone shape and soaked in wax is inserted into the ear and lit. This is left alight for several minutes before being removed.
What are the downsides of this treatment?
Burns to the face, ear canal or ear drum; injury to ear canal or ear drum; plugging of ears by candle wax; hearing loss[1].
Has there been research into this treatment?
Yes.
What does the research say?
‘…its mode of action is implausible and demonstrably wrong. There are no data to suggest that it is effective for any condition. Furthermore, ear candles have been associated with ear injuries. The inescapable conclusion is that ear candles do more harm than good. Their use should be discouraged.’[2]
‘…its mode of action is implausible and demonstrably wrong. There are no data to suggest that it is effective for any condition. Furthermore, ear candles have been associated with ear injuries. The inescapable conclusion is that ear candles do more harm than good. Their use should be discouraged.’[2]
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Give what you can1. Rafferty J, Tsikoudas A, Davis BC. Ear candling: should general practitioners recommend it? Canadian Family Physician. (2007);53(12):2121–2122.
2. Ernst, E. Ear candles: a triumph of ignorance over science. The Journal of Laryngology and Otology. (2004) Jan;118(10): 1-2