Ear Candling: Why It’s Dangerous and Doesn’t Work

April 4, 2025

Ear candling is often marketed as a holistic way to remove earwax and ‘cleanse’ the ears. You may have seen it recommended on wellness blogs or even sold in health shops. But while it may sound like a gentle, natural solution, ear candling is neither effective nor safe. In fact, medical professionals around the world strongly discourage its use.

At OnlineChemist in Gorleston, we regularly meet patients who have turned to ear candling and ended up with more problems than they started with. In this post, we’ll explain what ear candling is, the myths surrounding it, the real risks involved, and why professional earwax removal is always the safer option.

What Is Ear Candling?

Ear candling, also known as ear coning, involves inserting a hollow, cone-shaped candle into the ear canal and lighting the exposed end. The belief is that the heat creates a vacuum effect, drawing out earwax and toxins from the ear.

A typical session may last 15–30 minutes, and people often claim to see residue inside the candle afterward, assuming it’s earwax that has been removed. However, studies have shown this residue is simply a result of the candle burning and not anything drawn from the ear.

The Myths Behind Ear Candling

Proponents of ear candling often suggest that it:

Removes excess earwax
Detoxifies the ear and sinuses
Improves hearing
Relieves sinus pressure, headaches, or infections

Unfortunately, none of these claims have been supported by credible scientific evidence. The human ear is self-cleaning in most cases, and any buildup of wax that causes symptoms requires careful removal — not a burning candle.

According to the NHS, there is no proven benefit to ear candling, and it is not recommended as a treatment for earwax or any ear-related condition.

The Real Dangers of Ear Candling

Ear candling isn’t just ineffective — it can be downright dangerous. Here are some of the risks associated with the practice:

1. Burns to the ear, face or scalp: The flame, hot wax, or falling ash can cause serious burns, particularly if the candle is not held at the correct angle.

2. Wax blockage or impaction: Instead of removing wax, melted candle wax can drip into the ear canal and make things worse by causing a blockage.

3. Perforated eardrum: The suction theory has been thoroughly debunked, but even if there is heat or pressure involved, it can lead to damage of the delicate structures within the ear.

4. Fire hazards: Open flames near the head and hair pose obvious risks, especially if ear candling is done without proper supervision (as is often the case).

5. Infection: Introducing foreign material into the ear or damaging the canal can increase the risk of bacterial infections.

The U.S. FDA and numerous health authorities in the UK and Europe have issued warnings against the use of ear candles due to these well-documented risks.

What Should You Do Instead?

If you’re feeling blocked or experiencing discomfort, earwax may indeed be the cause — but there’s a far safer and more effective solution: professional earwax removal.

At OnlineChemist in Gorleston, we offer clinically proven options like:

Ear irrigation (ear syringing): A gentle stream of water is used to flush softened wax out of the ear canal.
Manual wax extraction: For wax that doesn’t respond to irrigation, we use sterile, precise tools to remove it safely.

Our procedures are:

Carried out by trained professionals
Painless and quick (usually under 30 minutes)
Safe for adults and children over 6 years old

We also provide guidance on how to soften earwax at home before your appointment — typically using olive oil drops — which improves the success of your treatment.

A Word on Prevention

Avoid inserting anything into your ear canal — including cotton buds. These often push wax further in rather than removing it. If you’re prone to wax buildup, regular use of olive oil drops or an occasional ear check-up can help prevent blockage.

Final Thoughts

Ear candling may seem like a harmless DIY approach, but it’s neither scientifically valid nor medically safe. Instead of risking burns, infection, or worsening the problem, choose a method backed by evidence and offered in a clinical setting.

We’re here to help. Based in Gorleston and serving Great Yarmouth, Bradwell, Lowestoft, and surrounding areas, our clinic provides professional, same-day earwax removal with a friendly and caring team.

📞 Call us on 01493 600610
📍 Visit us at 82 Middleton Road, Gorleston, NR31 7AH
💻 Or book your appointment online