Skip Ear Candling This Flu Season
As cooler weather arrives and flu season begins, many people start searching for ways to ease congestion and sinus pressure. It’s easy to stumble across “natural detox” remedies that promise relief. One of the most talked-about is ear candling, a supposed wellness ritual that claims to clear earwax, improve balance, and even flush out toxins.
But while lighting a candle and listening to soft spa music might sound peaceful, ear candling is neither safe nor effective. In fact, medical research and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both warn that it can cause serious injury.
If you’re tempted to try ear candling to clear blocked ears or relieve sinus pressure this flu season, take a moment to learn what really happens—and what safer, proven alternatives exist.
What Exactly Is Ear Candling?
Ear candling, also known as thermal-auricular therapy, involves inserting a hollow cone made of wax-coated fabric into the ear canal and lighting the exposed end. Practitioners claim the burning candle creates suction that draws wax and “impurities” out of the ear.
A typical session lasts 10–15 minutes. The practitioner trims the wick as it burns and often places a thin paper or foil disk between the candle and the face. Once the flame is extinguished, the candle is cut open to show dark residue—supposedly the debris removed from the ear.
That residue isn’t earwax. Studies show it’s melted candle wax mixed with burned fabric. No suction occurs inside the ear canal, and nothing beneficial is removed.
To understand why ear candling fails, it helps to know how your ears actually work. Learn about their self-cleaning system in The Science of Ear Wax: Why Removal Is Sometimes Necessary.
Why People Try Ear Candling During Flu Season
Flu season often brings sinus pressure, ear fullness, and head congestion. When ears feel clogged, it’s tempting to assume earwax is to blame. Social media videos promise that ear candling can relieve pressure, clear sinuses, and even “detox” the body.
It’s easy to see why it seems appealing—especially when you’re tired of feeling stuffy. The candlelight looks relaxing, the treatment sounds natural, and the word “detox” feels like something your body needs.
Unfortunately, those sensations are misleading. The warmth you feel from the candle doesn’t relieve inner ear pressure or congestion; it only heats the outer ear. The wax residue you see after burning appears whether or not the candle was ever placed in an ear.
This flu season, what your body needs is rest, hydration, and evidence-based care—not an open flame near your ear canal.
What Ear Candling Is Supposed to Do
Fans of ear candling often claim it can:
- Remove excess earwax
- Relieve earaches and pressure from colds or sinus infections
- Improve hearing and focus
- Reduce vertigo, tinnitus, or dizziness
- Detoxify the body
- Soothe stress and tension
Each of these claims has been tested. None have held up to scientific scrutiny.
What Research Shows About Ear Candling
In a Laryngoscope clinical trial, researchers tested ear candles on both human volunteers and an ear canal model. They found no measurable suction capable of removing wax. Instead, candle wax was deposited in several participants’ ears. In a survey of 122 ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists, 21 reported treating injuries directly caused by ear candlingThe FDA’s official advisory warns consumers and health providers not to use ear candles. Reported injuries include:
- Burns to the ear, face, and neck
- Candle wax blockages requiring surgery
- Punctured eardrums
- Temporary or permanent hearing loss
The American Academy of Otolaryngology adds that ear candling “does not create a vacuum and should not be used for earwax removal under any circumstances.”
In short, ear candling doesn’t clean ears—it risks damaging them.
The Hidden Dangers of Ear Candling
Even if performed by a spa technician or with a “protective” barrier, ear candling can lead to:
- Burns and fire hazards. Wax drips or falling ash can burn skin, hair, or clothing.
- Wax blockages. Melted candle wax can drip into the ear, forming a plug that worsens symptoms.
- Perforated eardrum. Heat and pressure may damage delicate inner ear tissue.
- Hearing loss. Obstruction, infection, or eardrum damage can reduce hearing ability.
- Infection risk. Residual wax and heat encourage bacterial growth.
Children, older adults, and people who wear hearing aids are especially vulnerable. During flu season—when congestion already increases ear pressure—these injuries can compound pain and delay recovery.
To understand how to care for your ears safely, visit Reduce Ear Wax: The Dos and Don’ts.
Why Your Ears Don’t Need Detoxing
Your ears already have a built-in cleaning system. Tiny glands in the ear canal secrete cerumen, or earwax, which traps dirt, dust, and microbes. As you chew and talk, natural jaw movements slowly push old wax outward, where it flakes off or washes away.
Earwax also moisturizes the ear canal, preventing dryness and irritation. Interfering with this natural process—especially with candles or cotton swabs—can force wax deeper and cause blockages.
Feeling “clogged” during flu season often comes from sinus inflammation, not wax. Pressure changes in the Eustachian tubes can make ears feel full, but candling can’t fix that. Gentle nasal rinses, hydration, and rest are better remedies.
Learn more about seasonal hearing health in It’s National Protect Your Hearing Month.
Safer Alternatives
If your ears feel blocked or itchy this flu season, skip the candle and try proven, physician-recommended methods.
Ear Candling vs. Safe Ear Cleaning Methods
| Method | How It Works | Safety Level | Best For | Notes |
| Ear Candling | Burns a hollow candle near the ear to “suction” wax | ❌ Unsafe | None | No suction occurs; risk of burns, wax blockage, and injury |
| Warm Water Rinse | Gently loosens wax with warm shower water | ✅ Safe | Mild wax buildup | Tilt head to drain; avoid if you have ear tubes |
| Ear Drops (Carbamide Peroxide) | Softens hardened wax | ✅ Safe | Routine maintenance | Follow package directions exactly |
| Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide | Breaks down wax using mild bubbling action | ⚠️ Use with care | Occasional buildup | Consult a professional before trying |
| Professional Ear Cleaning | Audiologist removes wax using specialized tools | ✅✅ Safest | Blocked ears, pain, or hearing loss | Quick, painless, and highly effective |
These methods don’t involve flames, guessing, or risk. To find help near you, visit Local Hearing Centers: Ear Wax Removal Near Me.
When to Seek Professional Ear Care
See a licensed hearing specialist or primary care provider if you experience:
- Persistent ear pain or pressure
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- Ringing, dizziness, or balance problems
- Fluid drainage or unpleasant odor
- Discomfort while wearing hearing aids
At Stanford Hearing Aids, audiologists perform safe earwax removal using advanced tools that protect the ear canal and eardrum. They can also determine whether your symptoms are caused by wax, sinus congestion, or a middle ear infection—common during flu season.
For everyday ear comfort, read Do You Have Itchy Ears? 6 Remedies to Try.
FAQs About Ear Candling
Does ear candling really remove earwax?
No. Scientific studies show ear candles don’t create suction or extract debris. The dark residue inside the candle appears even when burned outside the ear.
Can ear candling help with cold or flu symptoms?
No, it doesn’t relieve sinus pressure or clear nasal passages. Ear fullness from flu symptoms is due to Eustachian tube congestion, not earwax buildup.
Is ear candling safe for children?
Absolutely not. The FDA warns that children are at higher risk of burns and ear injury from this practice.
What is the safest way to remove earwax?
Use warm water rinses or over-the-counter softening drops, or schedule professional cleaning with an audiologist. Never insert swabs or objects into the ear canal.
What if I already tried ear candling?
If you feel pain, hearing loss, or drainage afterward, contact a hearing specialist immediately. They can safely remove wax or residue and check for damage.
The Bottom Line: Skip the Candles, Keep Your Ears Safe
During flu season, your ears may feel plugged or pressured—but ear candling isn’t the solution. It doesn’t remove earwax, it doesn’t relieve congestion, and it can lead to burns or hearing loss.
Your ears are self-cleaning, delicate, and best cared for by professionals who understand them. If you notice discomfort or suspect buildup, let an expert help you feel better safely.
Contact Stanford Hearing Aids today to schedule your ear exam or safe earwax removal. Protect your hearing, stay healthy, and enjoy a comfortable flu season with care you can trust.