Ear Candling and Wax

Ear Candling, I’m sure we’ve all heard about it or have done it at some point in time [definitely more popular in the early 2000s]. Candling has been advertised as a natural home remedy to remove ear wax similar to ear drops and Q-tips. But does it actually work? Is it safe?

What are Ear Candles?

Ear candles are just that, candles. These hollow candles have been advertised as ‘cure-alls’ for things like wax blockages and earaches. I definitely remember my mom using these on me as a child for earaches after swimming. As the candle burns down it’s supposed to draw the wax out of your ear. At the end, you can cut them open and there is usually some pretty gross-looking stuff inside that was supposedly pulled from the ear.

The question remains, is the candle actually pulling wax out of the ear?

The Reality of Ear Candling

As an effective way to remove wax, according to research ear candling isn’t up to par with clinical approaches such as water irrigation. Although the warmth of the candle can provide some temporary relief from pain; like putting heat on a sore muscle. The concern with ear candling is 3 fold: 1. it doesn’t really remove wax 2. the chance that wax or other material will fall into the ear and 3. the heat can dry out the ear canal.

1. Although it may look like wax is being removed from the ear, the laws of physics cause me to be a bit skeptical. It would take a lot of force to have the wax pulled up out of your ear that way. Additionally, with the heat generated from burning the candle, the candle itself will melt.
2. Leading into concern 2. Melting wax falling into the ear would most definitely be painful and could cause more problems such as perforated ear drums, hearing loss, infections, etc.
3.  Although the heat can be therapeutic, the skin of our ear canal is very sensitive. Too much direct heat can cause it to dry, become irritated and itchy.

From a clinical standpoint, ear candling is not an effective or necessarily safe way to remove wax. Although many claims have been make about the practice; Signia’s article looks directly at a few of these. If you or someone you know does use this method, please use caution!

Remedies for Ear Wax

Outside of clinical practice, there are definitely home remedies that can help with ear wax and are safe for your ears. For some Do’s and Don’t of of removing ear wax at home check out our blog.

Additionally, for a great demonstration of professional wax removal vs. ear candling check out Dr. Cliff’s video on Youtube.

As always, be kind to your ears, take the necessary precautions, and if in any doubt seek professional advice.