653: Ear Candling | Skeptical Sunday

Health Risks

Ear candling poses significant health risks, including burns, hearing damage, and even punctured eardrums. David C. Smalley highlights the absurdity of sticking a flaming funnel in one's ear, noting that even with instructions, the practice is inherently dangerous 1. The FDA and the National Institute of Health have reported numerous injuries, emphasizing that ear candles do more harm than good 2.

The FDA believes there is no valid scientific evidence for any medical benefit from the use of ear candles.

--- Eric Mann

Jordan Harbinger adds that the irony of ear candling is that it often results in hardened wax that requires professional removal 2.

   

Consumer Warnings

Despite the dangers, ear candling remains legal, albeit highly discouraged by health authorities. David C. Smalley explains that the FDA has issued warnings but has not officially banned the practice, leaving it in a legal gray area 3. The FDA's lack of stringent action has allowed the practice to persist, with some businesses continuing to profit from it 4.

If you stick it in your kid's ear and light it on fire, you have the right to do it. But if your kid gets hurt, get ready to face some child endangerment issues.

--- David C. Smalley

Jordan Harbinger argues that while everyone has the right to run a business, allowing scams to continue unchecked is problematic 4.