What are ear candles good for?
More and more service providers from the wellness sector are offering ear candling treatments to reduce stress  . The burning of the ear candle generates slight vibrations that are intended to stimulate the structure of the ear and various reflex points.
Ear candles are best known for allegedly removing earwax and thus cleaning the ears.
What ear candles are made of
An ear candle consists of an approximately 20 to 30 centimeters long, hollow tube shaped like a cone. Traditionally, ear candles are made of flax , but cotton is now used as a substitute. The cotton fabric is soaked in beeswax and, depending on the product, individual mixtures of herbs and essential oils are added.
A filter or drip guard is often attached to the lower end of the ear candles so that the wax cannot get into the ear.
Application of ear candles
When using ear candles, lie on your side. The narrow end of the ear candle is first inserted vertically into the ear with a careful twisting motion so that the auditory canal is sealed airtight. If necessary, the hair is covered with a cloth.
Then the ear candle is lit so that warm smoke gets into the inside of the ears. The ear candle is usually burned down to a predetermined mark. Then the procedure is repeated for the second ear.
For safety reasons, it is recommended that the ear candle should never be  inserted into the ear yourself, but  always by a second person . In principle, this second person should always be present to prevent accidents and injuries.
Alleged effects of ear candles
The alleged positive effect of the ear candles is said to come about through the so-called chimney effect. Because lighting the ear candle in the ear creates a downward draft, which in turn creates a slight overpressure. After half of the ear candle has burned down, the air current rises, relieving the pressure.
A possible effect of ear candles can be divided into three phases:
- After lighting the ear candle, it can affect the external auditory canal. The heated herbs and aromas that are outside of the ear candle should lead to an intensification of the positive effect.
- Pressure conditions alternate and vibration waves arise. This is intended to promote blood circulation in the ear and stimulate the lymph flow. In addition, the negative pressure should pull the earwax out of the ear canal.
- Now a pressure equalization takes place. This should have a relaxing effect on breathing and the heart and lead to complete relaxation of the whole body.
Ear candles medically highly controversial
A possible positive effect of ear candles has not been proven from a medical point of view.  The cleaning effect cannot be confirmed either, because the resulting negative pressure is not strong enough to pull the earwax out of the ears – at most it can be loosened a little.
ENT experts even point out that treatment with ear candles can also cause  injuries to the ears and face . Because the hot, dripping wax of the ear candle can lead to the outer auditory canal of the ear becoming blocked. In addition, the burning ear candle can also cause burns  to the outer ear, the middle ear, the eardrum or the face.
It is therefore important to ensure that the ear candle has safety features such as a burn-off mark and a safety filter or drip tray. In addition, you should never do the treatment alone. After lighting the ear candle, it can only be extinguished with water, so when using ear candles , a glass filled with water should be within reach  as a precaution .
Furthermore, allergic reactions  to the ingredients of the ear candles, such as essential oils or herbs, can be triggered.
When should you not use ear candles?
Ear candles should not be used in the following health conditions:
- for purulent inflammation  in the ear
- for fungal infections in the ear
- in eardrum injuries
- in acute ear pain
- with inner ear implants
In these cases, it is advisable to consult an ENT doctor directly. Anyone who decides to undergo treatment with ear candling should seek advice from a doctor about the treatment itself and about any possible risks associated with the use of ear candling. Even if the person being treated can not lie still for a long time due to other illnesses (e.g. back problems or coughing ) , ear candles should not be used. Due to the relatively high risk of injury, ear candles should not be used on children  .
Alternative to removing earwax
Earwax, also known medically as cerumen, fulfills an important protective function in the ear canal. It keeps the skin supple and prevents infections and inflammation. If you still find it annoying, for example if too much earwax impairs your hearing, careful rinsing with water or special ear drops can soften the cerumen so that it can drain off more easily. If you are unsure or if you already have ear diseases, you should consult an ENT doctor who can carry out a professional ear rinse.
