When your ears feel blocked, ear candles can sound like a gentle, natural fix. You may have heard of it many times on social media or through your friends. An ear candle is where hollow candle is put on your ear and lit up with a small flame. It may take a few minutes and seem harmless enough.
The catch is that ear candling carries real risks, and there is little evidence that it works. This guide explains what ear candling is, whether it is safe, and what you can do about ear wax instead.
At Audience Hearing, we want you to feel confident about caring for your ears, not just follow what is trending.
What Is Ear Candling?
Ear candling, sometimes called ear coning, is a practice some people use to try to remove ear wax. Cleveland Clinic explains that a long, hollow candle is placed at the opening of the ear canal. The other end is then lit.
So, how does ear candling work? The idea is that the flame creates a gentle vacuum that draws wax out of the ear. Some makers of these candles also claim they help with sinus problems, vertigo and stress, according to Tinnitus UK.
That is how an ear candle is meant to work. The next question is whether it actually does.
Does Ear Candling Work?
Unfortunately, the evidence says no. Cleveland Clinic notes that it has no proven health benefits. Research also keeps challenging the claim that it removes ear wax. In a 1996 study, researchers measured pressure in a model of the ear canal. They found that ear candles don’t produce negative pressure. More recently, a 2022 hospital study followed 22 people who came in after ear candling. None benefited, and all had burns to the ear canal or eardrum.
Tinnitus UK reaches a similar view. Its summary of the research found no data showing that ear candles work for any condition. It also notes that they have been linked to ear injuries.
So the ear candling benefits you may read about online aren’t backed by evidence.
Is Ear Candling Safe? Risks to Know About
If ear candling doesn’t work, the next concern is whether it can hurt you. Cleveland Clinic describes it as both ineffective and unsafe. The ear candling side effects it lists include:
- Burns. Hot wax and an open flame can burn the ears and scalp. Studies show these are among the most common injuries.
- Ruptured eardrum. The candle can puncture the eardrum, which is essential for hearing.
- Ear wax blockage. Wax from the candle can drip into the ear and make an existing build-up worse.
Tinnitus UK also lists hearing loss as a possible downside. There have even been reports of house fires. With an open flame so close to your hair and face, even a small slip can matter.
Why You Probably Don’t Need Ear Candles
Ear wax isn’t dirt. The Better Health Channel explains that healthy ears make wax to protect the ear canal and trap germs and dust. Your ears also clean themselves. Wax slowly travels toward the outer ear, where it can drop out.
Sometimes wax does build up. You may notice mild hearing loss, earache, a feeling of fullness or ringing in your ears. You’re more likely to get a blockage if you make a lot of wax. Narrow or hairy ear canals can also play a part.
The good news is that a blockage is usually harmless and can be treated. That brings us to safer options.
Safe Ear Wax Removal Options Instead
If wax is bothering you, there are better routes than candle ear wax removal. The Better Health Channel lists several ear wax removal methods:
- Drops that soften the wax so it can fall out on its own.
- Wax-softening products from your local chemist.
- Ear syringing, where a doctor flushes warm water into the ear canal.
- Suction, using a device operated by a doctor.
- Forceps or a special hook, also used by a doctor.
Our audiologists at Audience Hearing may help through earwax removal with the use of microsuction. This uses a fine, low-pressure suction device and a microscope to safely remove wax buildup.
Our guide to microsuction vs irrigation compares the main methods.
To help prevent build-up, avoid cotton buds and fingertips. The Better Health Channel suggests cleaning only the outer ear. It also suggests wax-softening drops or olive oil, used as directed.
When to Get Your Ears Checked
Muffled hearing, earache, fullness or ringing can have causes other than wax. A professional can look inside your ear to find out what’s going on. This matters even more if you have tried candling and still feel blocked.
It’s also sensible to be checked after candling if you notice pain, a burn or a sudden hearing change.
Unsure whether to treat wax yourself? Our guide to removing ear wax at home or in-clinic can help you decide.
Look After Your Ears the Gentle Way
Ear candling has no proven benefits and comes with real risks, including burns, eardrum injury and blocked ears. Ear wax is a normal part of ear health, and your ears usually clear it on their own. When it does build up, safer options exist.
If your ears feel blocked, talk to us. Ask about professional ear wax removal at Audience Hearing. Our audiologists will look inside your ear and explain what they find. They will also talk you through your options.
Book an appointment with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ear candling really remove ear wax?
No. Cleveland Clinic notes that research continues to challenge this claim. Candle wax can also drip into the ear and make a blockage worse.
What are the main ear candling side effects?
Reported problems include burns to the ears and scalp, a ruptured eardrum, and ears blocked by candle wax. Tinnitus UK also lists hearing loss as a possible downside.
Is it better to use cotton buds instead?
No. The Better Health Channel advises avoiding cotton buds and fingertips. Any object poked into the ear can compact the wax and damage the ear canal. Limit cleaning to the outer ear.
Can I soften ear wax at home?
Yes, with wax-softening drops or olive oil, used as directed. The Better Health Channel suggests this to reduce build-up. If your symptoms continue, see a professional rather than trying other methods.
How do audiologists remove ear wax?
Our audiologists use microsuction, which uses a fine, low-pressure suction device and a microscope. Most appointments take about 20 to 30 minutes. Your audiologist will also check your ears before and after.
