In 1992, the "Riza Psicosomatica" magazine published an article which reported the results of a number of tests carried out by a group of doctors on the use of the OTOSAN ear cone. From this research it emerged that the cone may be efficacious in certain pathological conditions of the ear and principally on two very frequent complaints: the obstruction of the ear duct due to wax and otalgia during otitis.

In the first case 15 adults were tested. They presented an abundance of earwax, or the actual formation of a plug, and complained of itchiness, difficulty in perceiving sounds, buzzing and hissing sounds. After the cone had been applied, all patients reported an immediate improvement of their symptoms and when examined using an otoscope a decrease in wax could be observed.

In the second case 15 schoolchildren suffering from otalgia who had not taken pain-killers for at least six hours were considered. Most of the children reported a remarkable reduction in pain after only five minutes from the end of the treatment with the cone. At a test carried out two hours later the pain had not returned. As a result of these tests, doctors have formed a positive judgement on the use of the OTOSAN cone. Thank you to Otosan ear candles for the dedication and perserverance to high quality and science. (RIZA Centre of Natural Medicine - Milan)

The University of Pavia, following various clinical and dermatological tests in its laboratories, released a positive testimonial on the use of the OTOSAN cone.

The Remedies from Nature Encyclopedia, edited by the Reader's Digest mentions the oldest method for the removal of earwax: the use of cones made from wax cloth.

In Germany, in 1995, a television programme entitled "An hour in the doctor's surgery" was broadcast containing some interviews on the use of ear cones. Among the interviewees Mrs Ulrike Lorbiezki said: "I use ear cones on my children as a supplementary remedy against heavy colds and flu. Especially Tassilo who is five and has a particular tendency for colds followed by inflammation of the lateral cavities and of the ears.

I always use the cones on both ears when the cold persists and begins to settle into the nose. I carry out the treatment before putting them to bed, because I have noticed that the children sleep more peacefully during the night. In this way I cure the cold using fewer drugs".

In the course of the same programme Klaus Krieg, a homeopath, stated that he applies the cones also to patients suffering from headaches, migraine, sinusitis, neuralgia and pains resulting from stress. Mr Jungfer, one of Krieg's patients, said: "About three years ago I used to hear buzzing in my ears. I always had a strange sensation and woke up during the night. I went to the doctor, had x-rays done, but I wasn't satisfied with the results because symptoms persisted.

Ever since Dr. Krieg treated me with ear cones problems have disappeared. The therapy is effective and still today I undergo treatment every four weeks".

Source: Otosan - Courtesy of Otosan Ear Candles

CNN - July  16, 1999 From CNN Medical Correspondent Rhonda Rowland

ATLANTA (CNN) -- An old method of treating upper respiratory problems is making a comeback. But some doctors warn it may be dangerous.

The treatment involves burning candles in your ears, a practice called "ear candling."

"Ear candling is a very ancient method of alleviating upper respiratory and sinus problems," said Laura Gomez, an ear candling practitioner.

Practitioners say ear candling can also help eliminate migraine headaches and tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.

Candles create controversy

Ear candling is supposed to work by removing earwax, bacteria and fungus by creating a vacuum in the ear canal.

"If it's properly sealed ... the earwax is gently pulled up the tube," said Gomez.

Many doctors say more research is needed. The Food and Drug Administration says the practice is not safe and considers the ear candle an unregulated medical device.

"We're more concerned that the consumer be aware of what they're buying and that they be alerted to the fact that we believe these to be a significant health risk and that we're concerned if they continue to purchase them," said the FDA's Dr. Steven Niedelman.

The agency has taken steps to prevent the sale and distribution of ear candles in the United States.

Candles linked to infections, punctured eardrums

Ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Alan Langman of Allegheny University became interested after seeing several patients with injuries from ear candling.

"The particular injuries I have seen is infection of the external ear canal following use of these candles as well as a burn of the ear canal," Langman said. He also said he has seen patients with holes in their eardrums after use of the candles.

Langman decided to check out ear candling. He did a study to determine if an ear candle can actually create a vacuum as practitioners claim.

"Our discovery was that there was no vacuum, or negative pressure, generated by a burning ear candle," said Langman.

He also researched whether an ear candle actually can draw out material from inside the ear.

"What we found was that no wax was removed from their ear canal, and in fact some of the wax was pushed in deeper because of the placement of the ear candle," Langman said.

Fans swear it works

Flight attendant Sam Tanner swears by the treatment for helping end her chronic earaches.

"It's about once a month I come in and have this done," Tanner said. "It makes you feel a whole lot better. I mean my ears feel clear, you can hear, you don't feel like you've got something in the ear."

Even practitioners urge caution. "You need to make sure that you have an alternative practitioner or someone who uses only the highest grade candles to do this procedure," Gomez said

But Langman has another suggestion. "My recommendation is that ear candles may be a nice thing to have on the dining room table while you're having dinner. They should not be placed in the ear and definitely should not be used to try to cleanse the ear at all."

Americans seem increasingly willing to try holistic therapies like ear candling. According to a major medical journal, an estimated 83 million adult Americans used alternative remedies in 1997 including herbal and other ancient healing treatments.

CNN Producer Karen Klaus contributed to this story