The practice of ear candling involves placing a hollow, cone-shaped candle into the ear canal and lighting it. Proponents claim this process creates a vacuum that draws earwax and other debris out of the ear, leaving a residue inside the candle. This residue is often cited as visual proof of the treatment’s efficacy.
Despite anecdotal reports of improved hearing, reduced ear pressure, and relaxation, scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of this practice is lacking. Furthermore, health organizations, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, actively advise against ear candling due to potential risks such as burns, ear canal obstructions, and tympanic membrane perforations. The purported benefits are often attributed to the placebo effect or the natural migration of earwax out of the ear canal. Historically, this practice has been traced to various cultures, though its precise origin remains unclear. Its continued popularity suggests a persistent interest in alternative therapies for ear health.
