Everything You Need to Know About Ear Candles

What are ear candles?
Ear candles are exactly what they sound like: they are lit candles placed in the ear. Usually, there is a paper cone around the base of the candle to prevent wax from dripping from the candle onto your skin. The intent of ear candling is usually to get rid of earwax or cure ear infections or pain.

Are they safe?

No. According to Mayo Clinic, ear candles have caused serious injuries. The scalding hot wax can burn your face, the inside of your ear, or even your eardrum. Ear candles can also puncture your eardrum. It is unsafe to use an ear candle, even if there is a protective mechanism there to catch dripping wax. 

Do ear candles help get rid of earwax, ear or sinus infections, or other ear-related issues?

No. Mayo Clinic , the FDA, and WebMD agree that research doesn’t back up ear candles. They don’t help get rid of wax (in fact, they can push wax deeper into your ear canal,) they don’t cure ear infections, and they don’t have any basis in science.

What can I do instead?
Are your ears full of wax? Check out our article on How to Unclog Plugged up Ears. Do your ears hurt? Visit your doctor to check if you have an ear infection. The sooner, the better! Ear infections that are left untreated can cause permanent damage and even hearing loss.