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What Are Ear Candles and Are They Safe?

Many people today turn to alternative remedies like ear candles to help with common problems. Ear candles are sometimes recommended as a treatment to remove ear wax, cleanse toxins from the ear canal, or relieve sinus pressure.

  1. Description

    • Ear candles are thin tubes, about 12 inches long and made of waxed cloth spiraled into a cone shape. They can be found in health food stores or shops that specialize in natural remedies.

    Purpose

    • Ear candles are inserted into the ear and ignited while the user lies on her side. A small plate catches any ash that falls. Ear candles when lit purportedly create a slight vacuum to draw out earwax.

    Effects

    • Users report a sensation of warmth and some claim their hearing is improved after using ear candles.

    Effectiveness

    • An Oct. 1996 article in "Laryngoscope" states: "Measurements...demonstrated that ear candles do not produce negative pressure." The same article says that a study "showed no removal" of wax from the ear canal and that "candle wax was actually deposited in some." Concerning the waxy buildup found in used ear candles, "all residue originated from the candle," says Dr. Lisa Roazen at Quackwatch.org.

    Safety

    • Health Canada reports that burns, ear canal obstruction with candle wax and punctured eardrum have been associated with ear candle use. Fires also have resulted.

    Conclusion

    • No benefit for ear candle use has been established, but safety hazards are well documented.

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