Debunking the myth surrounding Hopi Ear Candling
You may have heard about natural ear candling or coning, using a Hopi candle. It is promoted as a non-invasive, holistic approach to improving both ear and more general health. They can, according to many holistic and alternative therapists, be used effectively for earwax removal, sinus relief, sinusitis, circulation, tinnitus, headaches, glue ear, improved hearing and other medical conditions.
Hopi ear candling in a health spa
The origins of candling are quite spurious. Ancient Tibet, China, Egypt, Maya and Aztec, are often quoted as being the civilisation where the practice began. And according to those who extol their virtue, the practice was brought to the west by the native American Hopi Indians of North Arizona with Hopi meaning ‘peaceful people’. Furthermore, often following a session, you are encouraged to buy the candles yourself and try it out at home. We should point out at this stage that they are expensive and it’s also probably even more dangerous to try to reenact the elaborate pantomime we describe below alone.
The promise
If you’ve never been to a complimentary therapist and had the procedure performed on you, here are some basics, so you can understand a bit more. Essentially, you lie down on your side with your head supported on a pillow. A Hopi ear candle is placed in your ear, as far as is comfortable, and then lit at the other end and allowed to burn down until it’s a few inches from the face, when it’s extinguished.
The process is said to result in a gentle suction motion which draws the wax and impurities from the ear. The easiest way to think about it is to compare it to a chimney. The movement and compression between the ear canal and the candle chamber generate air flow, the burning action infuses the herbs and essential oils into a vapour. This acts as a massaging function and a way of softening any debris and wax. The results can be seen in the candle stub by way of a brown waxy substance, believed to be a mixture of ear wax, debris, and bacteria.
The reality
Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Something gentle, painless and relaxing. What’s not to love? Well everything it seems because in recent years, not only has candling come under fire (no pun intended), due to issues with their safety, but multiple studies have found no evidence to support the use or benefits of Hopi candles and ear candling to improve hearing. In fact, the consensus among professionals is that it is an ineffective method for earwax removal and may pose potential hazards. The NHS strongly advises against their use, stating that they are potentially harmful and ineffective in treating any medical condition.
So for all its claims, here’s the reality to dispel the myth:
The hot wax can cause burn injuries to the ear and face and damage the ear canal
The ear candling process may even push earwax deeper into the ear canal, potentially leading to further hearing problems or ear health complications
Candle wax can be deposited inside the ear during the procedure
Inserting the candle into the ear can cause blockages of the ear canal and could potentially cause both perforation of the eardrum and ear infections
The brown waxy substance is actually just the burnt beeswax/paraffin from the candle
Ear candling practitioners are not recognised healthcare professionals, and might not follow strict hygiene practices
““Ears are a sensitive and incredibly delicate organ. They should not come anywhere near the open flame of an earwax candle. If you use candling, all you are doing is putting yourself at risk. Microsuction and water irrigation are the gold standard of the earwax removal service.””
The proven and scientific option
David Peel from The Sense of Hearing commented. “Ears are a sensitive and incredibly delicate organ. They should not come anywhere near the open flame of an earwax candle. If you use candling, all you are doing is putting yourself at risk. That could be burns to the face, ear canal or eardrum and middle ear injury to the ear from dripping wax. You might also block your ear canal, make your ears bleed, perforate an eardrum, get an infection and perhaps most importantly create a delay in seeking much needed medical care for what might be an underlying condition.”
“If you are concerned about a build-up of ear wax, or simply want to maintain good ear health, then you need a safe, effective, reliable and evidence-based method for removing wax. Microsuction and water irrigation are the gold standard of the earwax removal service. They are performed by ear care professionals who are accredited and affiliated with trusted hearing organisations. Both procedures are safe and incredibly successful at removing excess ear wax in under 30 minutes. Plus if we discover another issue during the procedure, we are able to deal with that in branch using other reputable tests.”
Get in touch today
If you think you have a build-up of earwax, a blockage, hearing loss, or are worried about your ear health, then don’t delay. Book an appointment with a qualified and experience audiologist for professional advice, diagnosis and treatment by calling 01295 557008.
