Ear candling, sometimes called ear coning, is promoted as a natural way to treat a range of conditions, including excess earwax, sinus infections, earaches, and vertigo.
If you’ve ever searched “ear candling near me” or “ear coning near me,” you’re not alone. With this alternative practice widely available at spas, salons, wellness clinics, and naturopathic offices, interest continues to grow.
But what does science actually say?
In this post, our Markham audiologists will break down what ear candling is, whether it works, and the real risks involved. We’ll also discuss safer, evidence-based alternatives for earwax removal.
What Is Ear Candle Treatment?
Ear candling involves placing a hollow, cone-shaped candle, often made from beeswax or paraffin, into the ear canal. The outer end of the candle is then lit and allowed to burn for several minutes while the person lies on their side.
Supporters of ear candle treatment claim that the heat and suction created by the flame draw earwax, toxins, and impurities out of the ear.
What is Health Canada’s Position on Ear Candling?
Health Canada is very clear on its stance. In information for the general public, the department says, “Avoid ear candling. It is dangerous and has no proven medical benefits.”
Does Ear Candling Work?
Short answer: No.
Multiple studies show that ear candling does not work to remove earwax or toxins. There is also no evidence to suggest the practice can treat earaches, sinus infections, vertigo, or any other medical conditions.
There are two mechanisms by which ear candling supposedly works: heat and negative pressure. Studies have debunked both.
Here’s what the research says:
- One study used a tympanometer to measure the pressure in an artificial ear canal while ear candling. The results? Ear candling didn’t remove any earwax or toxins from the ear. In fact, it didn’t create any negative pressure or suction at all.¹
- Another experiment conducted for Health Canada determined that ear candling did not produce enough heat to melt earwax. The highest temperature reached while the candle was burning was 22℃, which is below core body temperature.²
- A limited clinical trial compared the effects of ear candling on ears with wax and without wax. Ear candling removed no wax from the ears with wax, but deposited candle wax into some of the ears without wax.¹
So if you’re asking, “Does ear candling work?” the evidence is clear: it does not.
The Myth of “Benefits of Ear Candling”
You may see claims online about the supposed benefits of ear candling, including:
- Removing excess earwax
- Detoxifying the body
- Improving hearing
- Relieving sinus pressure
- Treating infections or dizziness
These claims fall squarely into ear candling mythbusters territory. According to Health Canada and peer-reviewed medical literature, these purported benefits are supported by science.
What are the Risks of Ear Candling?
While ear candling has no proven benefits, it does come with real and well-documented risks.
Health Canada has reported numerous cases of injury related to ear candling, including:
- Burns to the ear, face, scalp, or hair
- Hot wax dripping into the ear canal
- Blockage of the ear canal by candle wax residue
- Punctured (perforated) eardrums
- Temporary or permanent hearing loss
- Nearby objects catching fire
A Real Case Example
In one published case study, a woman underwent ear candling and ended up with:
- Melted candle wax lodged deep in her ear canal
- A perforated eardrum
- Conductive hearing loss that did not resolve after one month
The authors concluded that ear candling “can do more harm than good” and recommended that healthcare providers actively discourage its use.³
Is Ear Candling Legal in Canada?
Many people are surprised to learn that selling or importing ear candles for medical purposes is illegal in Canada and the United States.
This includes marketing ear candles for wax removal, treating hearing loss, or addressing any other medical condition.
If you’re searching for where to buy candles for ear candling, it’s important to know that these products are not approved medical devices.
What are Some Safer Alternatives to Ear Candling?
If you’re dealing with earwax buildup, hearing issues, or discomfort, there are safe and effective alternatives that actually work.
1. Let Your Ears Self-Clean
In most cases, ears naturally move wax outward on their own, like a conveyor belt. The vast majority of people can allow their ears to clean themselves and use a damp washcloth to remove wax when it’s visible outside of the ear canal.
Using cotton swabs or candles can push wax deeper and cause impaction.
2. Professional Earwax Removal
For impacted earwax, professional earwax removal is the gold standard. At Archer Hearing Centre, we perform earwax removal using clinically approved methods, such as irrigation and curetting.
These approaches are:
- Safe
- Effective
- Tailored to your ear health
3. Get a Professional Assessment
Sometimes symptoms blamed on “wax” are actually related to hearing loss, infection, or other ear conditions. A licensed audiologist can assess what’s really going on and create a personalized treatment plan.
When Should You See an Audiologist?
Book an appointment with an audiologist if you experience:
- A blocked or full feeling in the ear
- Muffled hearing
- Ringing in the ears
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Sudden hearing changes
Avoid home remedies like ear wax candle treatments, and speak with a trained hearing professional instead.
Final Thoughts: Ear Candling Isn’t Worth the Risk
While ear candling is often marketed as natural or holistic, the science is clear:
- Ear candling does not work
- It offers no medical benefit
- It carries a real risk of injury
If you’re searching for ”ear candling near me” or “ear coning near me,” consider choosing a safer, evidence-based alternative instead.
Schedule an Appointment at Our Markham Hearing Clinic Today!
Archer Hearing Centre offers a full range of hearing care services you can trust, including hearing tests and earwax removal. Book an audiology appointment online to get started!
Sources:
- Seely D. R., Quigley S. M., Langman A. W. (1996). Ear candles—efficacy and safety. Laryngoscope. 106(10):1226–9. doi: 10.1097/00005537-199610000-00010.
- CBC Marketplace: health. (2000). Health Canada’s statement on ear candling. Ottawa, ON: Health Canada. https://publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/H50-3-97-2000E.pdf
- Rafferty, J., Tsikoudas, A., & Davis, B. C. (2007). Ear candling: Should general practitioners recommend it?. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 53(12), 2121–2122. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2231549/
