Overview

Ear candling is a procedure in which a lighted, hollow candle is inserted into the ear.

Ear candling is mainly used for clearing earwax and harmful substances (toxins) from the ear and for a variety of other conditions related to the ear canal and sinuses. These conditions include swollen sinuses (sinusitis), sinus pain, ear infections, ringing in the ears, and dizziness. Some people use ear candling to promote clear thinking.

Ear candles are legal in the US. However, they cannot be promoted as a treatment for medical conditions including earwax build-up. Ear candles are not permitted in Canada. In Europe, ear candles are regulated as medical devices.

Ear candling involves insertion of a hollow candle into the ear canal. The candle is lit and left in place for several minutes. People who support the use of ear candling think that the heat and suction from the hollow candle will suck out substances from the ear. When the candle is removed, a discolored, often brown, waxy substance often appears in the candle stub. Ear candling practitioners believe that this is earwax, bacteria, or other material extracted from the ear canal. However, research shows that ear candles do not suck substances out of the ear. There is no reliable evidence that ear candling can remove earwax or treat other conditions.

How does it work ?

Ear candling involves insertion of a hollow candle into the ear canal. The candle is lit and left in place for several minutes. People who support the use of ear candling think that the heat and suction from the hollow candle will suck out substances from the ear. When the candle is removed, a discolored, often brown, waxy substance often appears in the candle stub. Ear candling practitioners believe that this is earwax, bacteria, or other material extracted from the ear canal. However, research shows that ear candles do not suck substances out of the ear. There is no reliable evidence that ear candling can remove earwax or treat other conditions.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Removing earwax build-up. Research shows that ear candling does not remove earwax from the ear. Ear candling can even cause burns, blockage of the ear, hearing loss, and infection. Guidelines by ear, nose, and throat specialists recommend against ear candling.

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Clearing toxins from the ear canal.
  • Swollen sinuses (sinusitis).
  • Sinus pain.
  • Ear infection.
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
  • Dizziness (vertigo).
  • Improving mental function.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of ear candling for these uses.

Side Effects



Special Precautions and Warnings



Ear candling is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. It has been linked to harm including burns from the lighted candle or hot wax. Other possible side effects include blockage of the ear canal with candle wax, temporary hearing loss, ear infection, and eardrum puncture.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ear candling is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Punctured eardrum (perforated tympanic membrane): Punctured eardrums have been linked to ear candling. In people who already have a punctured eardrum, ear candling might cause additional harm.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Ear Candling overview.

Dosing

The appropriate or safe use of ear candling depends on several factors such as the condition being treated or the person administering the treatment. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this treatment.
View References
Show More Show Less

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.