Can ear candling hurt the tubes in your ears?

Ear candling is an alternative medicine practice in which a hollow candle is inserted into the ear canal and lit. The idea behind ear candling is that it can help draw out earwax, impurities, and toxins from the ear. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim and ear candling can be dangerous and can hurt the tubes in your ears.

The tubes in your ears are called the Eustachian tubes. They connect the middle ear to the back of the throat and help to drain fluid and equalize pressure between the ear and throat. Ear candling can cause the Eustachian tubes to become blocked or inflamed, which can lead to ear pain, hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

In addition to the risk of damaging the Eustachian tubes, ear candling can also cause other injuries, including burns to the ear, the eardrum, and the skin around the ear. Ear candling can also release harmful chemicals into the ear canal.

If you are experiencing any ear problems, it is important to see a doctor. Ear candling is not a safe or effective way to treat ear problems.