How does candle ear wax work?

Candle ear wax, commonly known as ear candling, is a practice believed by its proponents to facilitate earwax removal through two primary proposed mechanisms: the creation of a low-level suction force or the softening of earwax via heat.

The Proposed Mechanisms of Ear Candling

Ear candling involves placing a hollow, tapered candle into the ear canal and lighting the outer end. While its efficacy is a subject of debate, those who advocate for its use typically describe its purported action through the following methods based on their beliefs:

Theory 1: Low-Level Suction Force

One prominent belief among users is that as the candle burns, it creates a low-level suction force that pulls wax and debris out of your ear.

• Practical Insight: Proponents suggest that the burning action within the hollow candle consumes oxygen, leading to a mild vacuum effect or negative pressure. This gentle suction is then believed to draw out accumulated cerumen (earwax) and other impurities from within the ear canal.
• Example: This mechanism is often likened to a miniature chimney effect, where the rising hot air from the flame creates a subtle upward draft that purportedly dislodges and lifts earwax.

Theory 2: Heat-Induced Wax Softening

Alternatively, others believe heat from the candle melts and softens the wax, which falls out over the next few days.

• Practical Insight: This theory suggests that the warmth generated by the burning candle transfers to the earwax within the ear canal, making it less viscous and more pliable. This softened wax is then thought to be easier for the body's natural mechanisms to expel from the ear over a period of several days.
• Example: Similar to how applying gentle heat can soften a hardened substance, this process is believed to transform dense earwax into a more manageable state, facilitating its eventual exit.

Summary of Ear Candling Mechanisms