I tried to listen to this lady the other day tell me that ear candles are an alternative to medical procedures like ear flushing. Is this woman dangerous? should I do anything about it ? I'm worried shes going to cause someone damage by not giving them the right treatment.
Friend of mine has that problem and he's used the ear candles from time to time,they seem to do the job ok, he still has to go see a doctor eventually to get it done but it does give some relief in the short term.
Looks bloody silly doing it though
+1 to Japius
My dad uses ear candles and they work pretty well in the short term, but every so often he still goes to the doctor to get the wax flushed out.
Get someone else to light the candle and supervise you though, because I think some people have caused themselves injuries trying to do it themselves :)
Get someone else to light the candle and supervise you though, because I think some people have caused themselves injuries trying to do it themselves :)
Yes, I don't think he's ever done it by himself but I have on more occasions than I care to remember watched him laying down with a lot candle sticking out of his ear.....it's only funny for the first 6 or 7 times ;)
Is this woman dangerous? should I do anything about it ? I'm worried shes going to cause someone damage by not giving them the right treatment.
You could pretty much say the same thing for any sort of alternative medicine – diverts people from real treatment and takes their money (be it therapy with crystals, magnets, talk of chi and other made up nonsense which defies medicine and the laws of physics). I don' think there is much you can do – as long as people are gullible then alternative medical treatments like ear candles will exist and people will be sucked into them.
Ear candles are a 100% scam and are actually quite dangerous. If you don't believe me check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80uY0tXvnS4, and this web site: http://whatstheharm.net/earcandling.html, and this study: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/s
They should be banned from the shelves.
+1
Or at least come with the warning "This products provides no health benefit to the user, and may cause harm".
The sale of them is illegal in Canada right?
I've heard that if you peel back the ends of them that there is actually already wax in the candle before you use it.... but normally you peel it open 'after' you have put it in your ear, so you think that it is all your wax from your ear.
They should be banned from the shelves.
The US and Canada have made it illegal to sell them for medical purposes. Shame the same hasn't been done here.
I've heard that if you peel back the ends of them that there is actually already wax in the candle before you use it....
Is it really any surprise there's wax inside it? It is a candle after all ;)
I tried to listen to this lady the other day tell me that ear candles are an alternative to medical procedures like ear flushing. Is this woman dangerous? should I do anything about it ? I'm worried shes going to cause someone damage by not giving them the right treatment.
Ear candles are 100% rubbish unproven (I'm feeling generous). Any relief given is purely the placebo effect. Whether or not that's a bad thing is open to debate!
Article from the excellent Ben Goldacre (with the usual "oh but it does work" from practitioners). Also see the Wikipedia article, which has links to medical research journals.
My dad uses ear candles and they work pretty well in the short term
I can say with 100% confidence that they do not work at all. Ever. On anyone.
Ear candles are 100% rubbish unproven (I'm feeling generous)
Agreed. It's a load of BS and there is no debate about it – not only is it certain that they do not do what they claim, the dangers are well known and real. People need to move on and forget about ear candling.
Any relief given is purely the placebo effect. Whether or not that's a bad thing is open to debate!
The thing about placebo treatments is that at some point they require someone to lie to and fool a patient into believing something is effective when it isn't. Though it's something that should certainly be discussed, IMO informed consent is one of the best principles of modern day health practice and throwing it out the window so people can pretend something crappy works is unacceptable.
I asked my doctor about ear candles years ago and he laughed at me.
He said he would rather I clean my ears with a big syringe and warm water myself than have someone with no medical experience stick flaming objects into my head
I once put peroxide in my ears to clean out the wax.
Cant remember who gave me that idea.
It caused a lot of fizzing and bubbling, but never actually shifted any of the wax.
I wouldn't use the ear candles as it could generate too much force and harm your ears.
I once put peroxide in my ears to clean out the wax.
You can get some specially formulated ear drops from the chemist which helps break down the wax and then drain it out. You could even follow up with the doctor to flush out with water to get the last remnants out.
- Ear Clear For Ear Wax Removal 12ml
Agree 100%. Ear candles are a scam. People who promote them are scammers and people that use them thinking they work are deluded. Add this to the list of why the world will/should end in 2012.
it could generate too much force and harm your ears.
No they don't produce any pressure at all, which is half the reason they're a scam.
Ear candles dont work. The only wax that comes out is from the candle. They will warm up your ear a little, maybe it feels nice or something. "still has to get it cleaned by the dr..." and yet it "works a bit" ?
A friend swears by them. I burned a few in a fake ear and got the same stuff that they claim to extract. What I did find was the carbon monoxide level in the fake ear was very high in which case it might be able to kill of creepy crawling things but there are far better treatments for those rare cases. I couldn't the high CO levels reproduce this but I only tried 5 more times. The one candle that did produce the high level of CO also dropped burning hot wax in the fake ear which might have been where the CO came from. Either way it would have been painful if not very harmful to a real person. These things have caused lots of harm to lots of people and should be avoided.
Ear candles dont work. The only wax that comes out is from the candle.
I tried them years ago on recommendation of a chemist, It didn't take long to realise it was all bull and no wax came out of my ear. I still run into people that swear by them....
I had this done overseas once, I was swimming a lot and my ears blocked up so I tried it. I was impressed when they showed me all the wax in the "candle" at the end, and felt a bit silly when I later googled and realised it was a scam.
I had some releif at the time, however I also purchased ear drops on the same day and started using them after so I assume it was the drops that did the trick.
Oh well you live and learn, and I know there are a lot of people who swear by it.
I tried them years ago on recommendation of a chemist, It didn't take long to realise it was all bull and no wax came out of my ear. I still run into people that swear by them....
yah im an audiologist and the odd client uses them. I mostly just say theres not much evidence supporting them and it makes more sense to use wax drops or see the dr. Odd that a pharmacist recommended them, maybe it was just a storeperson.
Yes, there's a lot of placebo effect and confirmation bias informing peoples' reports of these treatments.
I tried drops from the chemist which did nothing and wasted $30 when I should have gone straight to the doctor, he cleared my blocked ear out in 2 minutes. I felt really stupid after spending an entire two weeks deaf in one ear.
I tried drops from the chemist which did nothing and wasted $30 when I should have gone straight to the doctor, he cleared my blocked ear out in 2 minutes. I felt really stupid after spending an entire two weeks deaf in one ear.
I spent a week deaf in one ear. It's goddamn lame!
So OP needs to get some of those oil based drops to soften the wax up, follow the instructions and use them for a few days and go to your GP to get a nurse to syringe out your ears for something like $30 before rebates.
The only downside is you'll bitch about how noisy your car seems afterwards.
The only downside is you'll bitch about how noisy your car seems afterwards.
Lol, I remember when I had the doc syringe out one ear that had gone deaf that I had superman hearing for a while. I could hear everything from my feet dragging on the ground to my breathing, I actually thought it was really cool.
I had a really really bad case last year with a stubborn blockage that wouldn't come out for a month, and unfortunately in my repeated attempts to remove it got an infection that caused me to lose my hearing for another 3-4 months.
I used to suffer really badly with regular sinus infections that felt like I had run into a brick wall, after having my ears candled I have never had anymore sinus problems and that was maybe 10 years ago now. I use them now and then to clear out my ears and have never had any problems
I used to suffer really badly with regular sinus infections that felt like I had run into a brick wall, after having my ears candled I have never had anymore sinus problems and that was maybe 10 years ago now. I use them now and then to clear out my ears and have never had any problems
Sorry, whatever relief you have (or think you have) has nothing to do with ear candling. It does not work, it has been shown not to work, and regardless of what you may think that is the truth of it.
You are experiencing either a delusion, placebo effect or confirmation bias.
You are experiencing either a delusion, placebo effect or confirmation bias.
You don't want to rule out a possible different effect that may have occurred as a consequence of whatever processes one uses to ear candle.
This is probably also why some people may swear by them – other things they do in the process may be helping, but they think the (nonsense of) ear candling is what is causing the benefit.
It is like how some people that take <insert alternative "medicine" here> whilst also taking the traditional science based medicine will often attribute the success to the alternative.
That's a very good point. A form of confirmation bias.
While taking X alternative remedy, people tend to be conscious and attentive to their overall health in addition to the specific complaint.
Well sorry to burst your bubble but it DID work on my sinus problem and that was the ONLY thing different I had done to try and fix it. I have recommended friends try ear candling when they complain of sinus problems and it has also fixed their sinus problems. So you can be as derogatory as you like, fact is they do work for some people.
Well sorry to burst your bubble but it DID work on my sinus problem and that was the ONLY thing different I had done to try and fix it. I have recommended friends try ear candling when they complain of sinus problems and it has also fixed their sinus problems. So you can be as derogatory as you like, fact is they do work for some people.
Sorry to burst your bubble , but you do know that your sinuses are not connected to your ear canal?
The thread title is deceiving and should be renamed to simply 'Ear Candles' as there is not conclusive evidence either way to prove these are a scam.
So you can be as derogatory as you like, fact is they do work for some people.
Im not being derogatory in any way and I couldn't care less if you or others are happy pretending it works when it doesn't. My only concern would be that you may injure yourself using these ridiculous scam products.
as there is not conclusive evidence either way to prove these are a scam.
No, its 'conclusive'. Not only is it well established that they are completely ineffective, its been shown that the supposed mechanism of how it works is completely implausible. This isn't some kind of vague area of research – they are complete and utter BS.
there is not conclusive evidence either way
I'm sorry but you CAN say that there is no medical/scientific evidence to support any beneficial claims. You can't prove a negative, ie prove that something isn't – but there is zero valid evidence that it works. There IS, however, evidence that they can cause harm.
Just like almost any alternative "medicine", they rely almost entirely on anecdotal evidence.
Edit:
Can you imagine if the real medical profession worked like this?
You have an implausible premise, the scientific & medical trials are negative – meaning there is zero efficacy for treating patients with it ... and yet, despite all the evidence medical professionals still used it, and it was government subsidised?
(Of course cases like homeopathy in the UK are prime examples of sham medical practice being government endorsed, but that is a different discussion)
Just like almost any alternative "medicine", they rely almost entirely on anecdotal evidence.
+1.
You know what they call alternative medicine that has been proven to work?
Medicine.
Oh, Thanks for all your opinions people. Really enjoying reading all the posts.
So OP needs to get some of those oil based drops to soften the wax up
My ears are fine. Cheers though mate. My question was more around....
Is this woman dangerous? should I do anything about it ? I'm worried shes going to cause someone damage by not giving them the right treatment.
I am worried that she might be causing damage to people who really need proper medical help... Wondering if there is anything I can do about it?
You could pretty much say the same thing for any sort of alternative medicine – diverts people from real treatment and takes their money (be it therapy with crystals, magnets, talk of chi and other made up nonsense which defies medicine and the laws of physics).
This is my problem. What if she assists in hurting someone permanently by giving them the wrong advice? Obviously the person could try and sue but it shouldn't have to get to this point. Isn't there anything someone can do to stop this from happening before someone's quality of life is damaged?
This is my problem. What if she assists in hurting someone permanently by giving them the wrong advice?
Most times you can't actually turn people away from these things because for them once they believe it works, they have faith in it, and can't just discard it. This is the opposite of medical science which always strives for better treatment methods (and there are 1000's of discarded or outdated treatments no longer used, unlike the 'complimentary' fields which tend to cling to their modalities despite overwhelming negative evidence).
Is this person someone you think would respond to reasoned discussion around actual evidence? If she accepts modern medicine then it may just be a case of her becoming better informed, but the problem is many "alternative practicioners" for whatever reason reject science based medicine for multiple reasons, including the misguided notion of 'natural' medicine, a belief in conspiracies involving 'big pharma', or even the fact that their method is better for the patient (in a "well-being" sense) etc.
Have you asked this person to explain how it works, the scientific principles behind it? Maybe press a little further and ask for information on (double blinded) medical trials that have demonstrated efficacy. This is a good way to gauge if she is open minded enough, and has the critical thinking to examine ear candling properly – if she immediately goes on the defensive then you probably won't be able to convince her, because likely nothing will change her mind.
The problem in Australia is many Pharmacists/pharmacies sell ear candles, not because they believe they work but for two complimentary reasons: people want them, and the pharmacists want money.
I've just looked at about a dozen Australian retailers of Ear Candles. None of the retailers/companies that sell/manufacture ear candles make the claim that they remove wax!!! Maybe because they know that actually claiming their product does this is false, so they just describe it as an ancient tradition, used for various purposes to promote a healthy body & a sense of 'well-being' etc etc.
The only thing I could find mentioning it was an 'information' site, naturaltherapypages.com.au .... who have this gem of a paragraph:
The process involves using a specially made hollow candle which is held gently on the edge of the ear to create a vacuum in the ear, drawing out old wax, residues of past infection and fungus. Candling is said to stimulate the immune system and peripheral blood circulation. Ear candles may also be used to cleanse and harmonise a person’s energy fields or auras, prior to meditation or trance work.
wtf ? Ive never heard of this scam.
Ear Candles, Homepathy etc...
People in the 3rd World would give anything to have access to our Healthcare and Western people want to fool around with Witchcraft and Voodoo.
All of this stuff needs to be defined as Entertainment and Licensed as such.
Shame on Chemists that promote stuff like this.
When i saw an audiologist to get my ear impression, he told me not to stick anything bigger than your fist into your ear. (Basically never stick anything in)
People in the 3rd World would give anything to have access to our Healthcare
+1
A really good point that puts the whole issue into perspective. Its embarrassingly ungrateful for the privileges we have.
Odd that a pharmacist recommended them, maybe it was just a storeperson
not so odd, my local "Blooms" sell homeopathic "remedies"........! lol
Is this person someone you think would respond to reasoned discussion around actual evidence?
Sadly no. She is very far gone. To the point that she sells crystal healing wands on-line she makes herself.
Have you asked this person to explain how it works, the scientific principles behind it?
Yes. At first she rattled off almost word for word what you'd read on the back of a packet of ear candles. Next she tried to convince me to try it so I can see it for myself. She even offered a free trial hinting she would be able to show me the wax inside the candle after it was done. I'm going to get some candles and play with them but they wont be going in my ears.
She is a family member and we've now started talking about it on Facebook. Ugh...
Ear candles have been known for years to be yet another old wives tale when it comes to working.
Does no harm but does no good either.
Don't waste your money......
Oh and blood letting and leeches do wonder for several diseases. I picked that up from Lord Blackadder.
The thread title is deceiving and should be renamed to simply 'Ear Candles' as there is not conclusive evidence either way to prove these are a scam.
.
She even offered a free trial hinting she would be able to show me the wax inside the candle after it was done.
How does the Ear Wax float up the candle ?
Why doesnt it rise all the way up ?
i gather its not Ear Wax so what is it ?
How does the Ear Wax float up the candle ?
Why doesnt it rise all the way up ?
i gather its not Ear Wax so what is it ?
In studies I've read it's the wax from the candle.
REPLYING TO
zivad...
The thread title is deceiving and should be renamed to simply 'Ear Candles' as there is not conclusive evidence either way to prove these are a scam.
Hi, thought ear candles have been proven to be ineffective and dangerous for a long time. However, the confusion could be that our TGA seems to endorse ear candles and our pharmacists/pharmacies are selling them. Hence, one may be "deceived" into thinking ear candling is effective and harmless.
Here are a few references from scientists & FDA as to why the title Ear Candles (scam) is appropriate and I would also insert "DANGEROUS".
(1) From American Acadamy of Audiology: Ear Candles and Candling: Ineffective and Dangerous
The bottom line is ear candling is ineffective and potentially dangerous and we do not recommend it at any time for any reason.
http://www.audiology.org/news/Pages/20100622.aspx
(2) FDA (Feb 2010 & also in the past)
Ear Candles: Risk of Serious Injuries
Audience: Consumers, Otolaryngological healthcare professionals
FDA is notifying consumers and healthcare providers of its warning not to use ear candles...
FDA has found no valid scientific evidence to support the safety or effectiveness of these devices for any medical claims or benefits. FDA has received reports of burns, perforated eardrums and blockage of the ear canal which required outpatient surgery from the use of ear candles.
FDA is especially concerned because some ear candles are being advertised for use in children. Children of any age, including babies, are likely at increased risk for injuries and complications if they are exposed to ear candles. Small children and infants may move during the use of the device, increasing the likelihood of wax burns and ear candle wax plugging up the ear canal. Also, their smaller ear canal size may make children more susceptible than adults to injuries.
(3) The Journal of Laryngology & Otology (2004), 118 : pp 1-2
Ear candles: a triumph of ignorance over science
Ear candles are hollow tubes coated in wax which are inserted into patients’ ears and then lit at the far end. The procedure is used as a complementary therapy for a wide range of conditions. A critical assessment of the evidence shows that its mode of action is implausible and demonstrably wrong. There are no data to suggest that it is effective for any condition. Furthermore, ear candles havebeen associated with ear injuries. The inescapable conclusion is that ear candles do more harm than good. Their use should be discouraged.
http://journals.cambridge.or
(4) Letter to TGA about ear candles and pharmacy sale (March 2011)
http://www.tga.gov.au/pdf/su
The Ear, Nose & Throat doctors in Australia have seen injuries in adults and children from ear candling.
In reply to ggb's question about the waxy deposit after ear candling:
From Ben Goldacre's book "Bad Science", it's the candle wax, not ear wax.
Google "Ben Goldacre ear candle wax" in Google Books and you can read the section on ear candles and the experiment.
As per the instructions in the book, purchase and burn the ear candles and you will find the same waxy residue which is from the ear candle itself, not your ear wax. The wax from the ear candle from real ear and without ear was the same wax.
Hope this helps.