Facts on Ear Cones

Ear coning, or ear candling, is an ancient practice used by Mayan, Egyptian, Chinese, Indian and Tibetan cultures to clean the ears and to spiritually cleanse the body, mind and soul. Today, ear cones are promoted by alternative health practitioners as a simple and inexpensive way to clear earwax.

Coning Procedure

• Ear coning or candling is administered while you lie down on your side or sit upright with the tip placed firmly into the ear canal. The cone lighted and allowed to burn until 4 inches remains.

Composition

• An ear cone or candle is a 9- to 12-inch cone-shaped hollow tube that is tapered at one end. It is composed of unbleached cotton muslin or linen that is soaked in paraffin or beeswax.

Coning Theories

• The burning cone creates a vacuum that pulls earwax out of your ear and into the stub. Another theory is that the warm smoke softens the earwax, which naturally comes out later.

Scientific Proof

• In the October 1996 issue of "Laryngoscope," Drs. D.R. Seely, S.M. Quigley and A.W. Langman demonstrated that ear coning or ear candling does not eliminate earwax and the vacuum produced is not sufficient to suction out earwax.

Risks

• Medical doctors do not recommend ear coning because of the potential risk of fire and burns to the ear, hair and skin from the flame or hot wax.

Government Position

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not endorse ear coning or ear candling. The sale of ear candles and cones are illegal in Canada, and Health Canada states that ear cones are dangerous and do not provide medical benefits.