Ear candling is an alternative approach for removingearwax.
While popular, there is no evidence that ear candling works or is safe.
Medical experts advise that you do not try it.
Schultheiss Selection GmbH & CoKG / Getty Images
They are also called ear cones orauricularcandles.
Ear candles are made of cotton or linen tightly wound into a cone shape.
The candle is soaked in beeswax,paraffin, or soy wax, and allowed to harden.
An alternative medicine health provider may offer ear candling.
Some people also attempt it at home, though this is not advised.
Theeardrumseparates these structures from the external ear canal, where the candle is placed.
That means any changes in the external canal would not affect anything beyond this membrane.
Some ear candle manufacturers claim that its the smoke from the burning candles that dries the ear canal.
Theres also a risk that lit ear candles could start a fire.
The Best Ways to Remove Wax
You dont need to remove earwax at all.
Earwax is beneficial as it:
Your ears have a self-cleaning system that naturally removes earwax whenever needed.
Most people dont need additional cleaning.
Earwax buildup can cause occasional discomfort in some people, however.
Never use a cotton swab, as this can push earwax further into the ear.
The risks of ear candling, including burns, a perforated eardrum, and hearing loss, are serious.
Frequently Asked Questions
After ear candling, people may notice a white powdery substance.
There is no evidence that ear candling can treat asinus infectionor any other health condition.
Dark earwax usually just means that its old.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Import alert 77-01. doi:10.1177/0194599816671491
Nee ST, Athar PP.Ear candling: a non-proven method for benefits.Clin Surg.
2007;53(12):21212122.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Ear candles.
Harvard Medical School.3 reasons to leave earwax alone.
