Are Ear Candles Safe for Removing Earwax?

Nobody wants to deal with a buildup of earwax in their ears. However, if you are looking for a way to clear out this pesky wax, there are certain techniques that you should stick to and other techniques you should avoid. For example, many people swear by a technique called ear candling. To perform this technique, individuals purchase candles that are hollow fabric cones soaked in paraffin or wax. A hole is then cut into a paper plate, and the candle is stuck into it. People will then lie on their sides, the candle is placed in their ear canal, and someone lights the opposite end of the candle. The idea behind this is that the heat of the candle is thought to create suction to suck your earwax out. However, this technique has not been proven to work and is actually quite dangerous.

There are many risks associated with ear candling. First, you run the risk of burning your ear, ear canal, face, neck, and surrounding areas. The wax from the candle could also drip into your ear and onto your eardrum, or even perforate your eardrum, which is very painful and dangerous. As for the “wax” that people claim to see inside of the paper candle after ear candling? It’s actually just the inner layer of the wax candle shedding.

So, what can you do to safely remove earwax?

There is a selection of over-the-counter ear drops that can be used to remove earwax. If these drops do not work, be sure to call NYHD Institute for Hearing & Balance at (212) 774-1971 for professional advice for safe results.