An ear wax removal cone is one of the most dangerous devices to place in your ear, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Makers of ear cones, sometimes known as ear candles, claim that not only will these devices remove earwax, they also remove "toxins" and other impurities from the ear. However, the FDA states that studies show that ear cones are not only ineffective; they can can cause burns, perforation of the eardrum and ear canal blockage that can require surgery.
More About Ear Cones
According to the FDA, ear candles are hollow cones almost a foot in length, fashioned from a fabric tube saturated in beeswax, paraffin or both. Quack Watch, the website maintained by the National Council Against Health Fraud, notes that homemade ear cones may be made of newspaper soaked in wax or pottery cones. The wax used may also incorporate herbs such as sage, rosemary, burdock root, yucca root or honey, to name only a few. Some ear candles claim that they offer relief from sinus infections, headaches and earaches, says the FDA. More outrageous claims may state that ear candles purify the blood, improve hearing acuity and treat cancer.
Process
The process of using an earwax removal cone is called "ear candling," "ear coning" or "thermal auricular therapy," says the FDA. The person being "candled" generally lies on his or her side. The cone is places in the outer ear and the exposed end lit. As the candle burns down, the wick is continually trimmed, Quackwatch explains. A "collecting plate" may be employed. This involves placing the ear cone through a hole in the plate, which is places above the ear. Purportedly, the heat from the candle creates a gentle vacuum that draws out earwax, toxins and impurities.
Effectiveness
In 1996, physicians from the Spokane Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic in Washington published a study in the journal "Laryngoscope." Results indicate that tympanometric measurements using a model of an ear canal revealed that candles do not produce the vacuum-like pressure that purportedly removes earwax. Moreover, a small clinical trial indicated that this method did not remove earwax. A survey taken among 122 ear, nose and throat specialists indicated that 21 ear injuries were the result of ear candling. Researchers concluded, "Ear candles have no benefit in the management of cerumen and may result in serious injury."
Dangers
According to the FDA, the dangers associated with ear candling are burns to the face and ear, ear injury caused by dripping wax, plugged ears (caused by the candle wax), bleeding, perforation of the eardrum and household fires. Additionally, the FDA states that using ear candling may cause some people to not seek appropriate medical care for medical conditions. Particularly vulnerable are children and babies, who are more at risk for injuries. In a February 2010 warning, the FDA expresses concern that some earwax removal cones are marketed for use in this population.
Other
Despite the obvious dangers associated with ear candles, they continue to be marketed and sold at health food markets, flea markets, spas, salons and through Internet websites, says the FDA. Both the FDA and Health Canada have taken action against numerous sellers to include seizing the products. See a doctor if you have an earache, ear infection or experience loss of hearing, says the FDA. Doctors and consumers should report injuries caused by earwax removal cones and candles to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
