How to Use Ear Candles

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Every person has earwax, which is also called cerumen. If you have a sense of fullness, discharge from your ear, or have difficulty hearing on occasion, you may need to remove a buildup of wax. [1] There are many different ways to remove earwax, and one common alternative option is ear candling. It's important to note that the medical community recommends avoiding ear candles as they may be ineffective and even potentially dangerous. If you’re concerned about earwax buildup, speak to your doctor about other treatment methods.

Ear Candling: Is It Safe & Effective?

Medical experts caution against ear candling since it can cause serious damage to your ear and may not be effective at removing ear wax. Instead, they recommend applying ear drops, using oil or glycerin drops, or irrigating your ears to remove wax plugs.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using a Candle to Remove Wax

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  1. Alternative medicine practitioners are strong advocates for the benefits of ear candling, but many medical doctors believe that candling is ineffective and dangerous. Being aware of the risks and concerns about ear candling can help you make an informed decision if it is the best way for you to remove your earwax. [2]
    • Studies by otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) have shown that ear candling can cause burns, blockages in the ear canal, ear infections, and ear drum perforations even if you use the candle according to the packaging. [3]
    • Most medical doctors believe ear candling is ineffective for removing wax.
  2. It can be difficult to perform ear candling by yourself. Have a friend or family member assist you during the process. This can help minimize the risk of burning yourself or causing other trauma to your ear.
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  3. The candle should be fitted to the size and contours of your ear. This can help ensure the most safe and effective candling process. If the procedure isn’t performed by an experienced practitioner with the appropriate tools, it can cause damage to your eardrum. Even when performed properly, it’s possible to cause trauma to your ear canal. [4]
    • Use the scissors to trim the end, making the opening slightly larger so it fills the ear canal.
    • Make sure the opening is passable. There should be a clear pathway from one end of the candle to the other. If necessary, use a sharp, pointy object to remove any obstruction from the candle’s smaller end.
  4. Before you begin candling your ear, wash your hands and wipe off your ear. This can help minimize the risk of spreading bacteria that may cause an infection. Use a soft soap that is antibacterial and antimicrobial. [5]
    • Wash your hands with a simple and basic soap or use a soft soap that is antimicrobial and antibacterial.
    • Wipe off your ear with a moist cloth.
  5. Moisten a large towel with some water and cover your head and upper torso area. This can help prevent a flame or any ashes from burning you during the candling process.
    • Make sure to cover your head, hair, shoulders, and upper torso.
  6. It will be easier and safer for you to sit upright during the ear-candling process. This can help ensure that falling ashes don’t contact or burn you.
    • Be careful; if you do not do this correctly, you could burn yourself. Physicians do not recommend using ear candles because of this risk.
  7. Before you begin the candling procedure, massage the area around and behind your ear. This can help relax you and stimulate circulation in your ear area.
    • Massage the area behind your jawbone, around your temple, and your scalp.
    • Rub for at least 30 seconds to open up the area around your ear.
  8. Cut a small hole in either a paper plate or pie tin and place it over your ear. This can help ensure that you don’t get burned with the flame or falling ashes.
    • Use any type of paper plate or pie tin, which are found at most grocery stores.
    • Make sure the hole corresponds to the size of the end of the ear candle. Fit the candle into this hole and hold it up over the ear being cleaned.
  9. Place the small end of the candle in the paper plate or pie tin and then position the tip of the candle in your ear canal. The plate can help prevent hot wax from dripping onto your outer ear, causing harmful burns. This can help ensure a safer and more effective candling procedure, but there’s still a chance of burning your inner ear so proceed with extreme caution. [6]
    • Keep the candle in a vertically upright position. When sitting upright, the candle should be at an approximately 30-degree angle.
  10. Have your assistant light the large end of the candle with a lighter or match. This will start the candling process and can help ensure that you safely light the candle without burning yourself.
    • You will know if the candle is properly in place if no smoke escapes from between your ear and the small end of the candle.
    • If you do not have a secure fit, readjust your position or the candle. It is important to get a secure fitting. If this takes a while, try again using a new candle.
  11. It should take about 15 minutes for the candle to burn down to the desired length for the most effective ear-candling session. Be careful to keep the candle from burning too short to help minimize the risk of burning your scalp or depositing candle wax in your ear canal, which are recognized complications of ear candling. [7]
  12. As the candle burns, trim it into a bowl of water every couple of inches. This can keep ashes or flames from falling close to and burning you.
    • Remove the candle to trim it into the bowl of water. Simply replace it securely in the ear canal when you’re finished.
  13. After the candle has burned down so there is only about 3 inches (7.6 cm) remaining, ask your assistant to extinguish it in the bowl of water. This can help minimize your risk of getting burned by the candle.
    • If the burn takes a while, have your assistant check the small end's opening after a few minutes to make sure it is not obstructed. If necessary, use a toothpick to swiftly clear the opening and reinsert the candle in the ear.
  14. Once you’ve removed the candle stub from your ear canal, there may be a mixture of wax and debris on the stub. Some alternative health practitioners believe this is earwax and bacteria. Examining it may help you assess if you removed enough wax or need to repeat the candling procedure. However, studies have found no evidence that ear candles are effective at drawing out earwax. [8]
    • If you put the candle into water immediately, no wax may be visible. It’s also possible that some of the wax from the candle was deposited in your ear canal. [9]
  15. Once you’ve finished the candling process, clean the outer area of your ear and ear canal. Be careful not to push any wax or remnants back down into the ear.
    • Use a cloth or cotton swab to clean the ear. Just make sure not to put a cotton swab all the way into your ear, which can push wax further into your ear or perforate your ear drum. [10]
  16. If both of your ears have a wax buildup, repeat the process on your other ear. Be sure to follow the steps closely and according to the product packaging. Carefully following the directions may help prevent burning or other damage in your ear, but it’s still possible to cause trauma that may result in hearing loss. [11]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Removing Earwax with Alternative Procedures

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  1. Clean the outside of your ear canal with a cloth or paper tissue moistened with mineral oil. This may help remove discharge or any wax that has worked its way outside of your inner ear. [12]
    • Use a soft cloth to wipe around the outside of your ear and on your outer ear canal. [13] If you like, wet the cloth slightly with warm water. [14]
    • Wrap a paper tissue around your finger and gently wipe your outer ear and outer ear canal with the tissue to dry. [15]
  2. For those people with minimal to moderate amounts of earwax, use an over-the-counter wax removal preparation. This can help clear any impacted wax. [16]
    • Most over-the-counter drops are mineral oil and peroxide solutions.
    • The hydrogen peroxide will not dissolve your wax, but help it move through the ear canal. When using hydrogen peroxide, lie on your bed with your head to its side and a towel placed under your head. Pour (or use a rubber bulb) a small amount of H2O2 into the ear. The ear will start to feel warm and you will begin to hear a bubbling sound. This is normal. Roll your ear over onto the towel to let the peroxide drain out. Repeat on other side. If you have any ear discharge consult a doctor immediately.
    • Board Certified Otolaryngologist Dr. Payam Daneshrad cautions, “We try to avoid using peroxide because it can damage the skin of the ear canal…Wax softeners like over-the-counter medications work better. They do have some peroxide in them, but there's a much lower strength than anything a patient can find on their own.”
    • Make sure to follow the package instructions for using the products to help ensure you don’t cause further problems.
    • If you suspect you have an eardrum perforation, do not use an over-the-counter preparation. The symptoms of a perforated eardrum include bloody or pus-filled discharge from your ear, hearing loss, or a ringing sound in your ear. [17]
    • You can purchase over-the-counter earwax removal drops at most pharmacies and some large retailers.
    • Cerumenolytics (peroxide & mineral oil) can lead to complications, including allergic reactions, otitis externa, transient hearing loss, and dizziness.
  3. In addition to over-the-counter wax treatments, use simple household oils or glycerin drops to relieve wax plugs. These treatments soften earwax, making it easier to clear out of your ear canal. [18]
    • Try baby or mineral oils as a treatment. Place one drop of baby or mineral oil in each ear and let it sit for a few minutes before allowing it to drain out.
    • Olive oil is another option that can help remove earwax, but better treatment options exist. [19]
    • There are no studies about how often it's helpful to use oil or glycerin drops, but no more than a few times a week should be fine.
  4. Irrigating, sometimes called “syringing,” is one of the most common methods of removing wax plugs from the ears. Try washing your ear by irrigation along with drops or oil if you have large amounts or stubborn earwax. [20]
    • You’ll need a medical syringe to use this method, which most pharmacies carry.
    • Fill the syringe with body-temperature water. Using cooler or warmer water may cause dizziness or vertigo.
    • Hold your head upright and gently pull the outside of your ear upward to straighten your ear canal.
    • Inject a small stream of water into your ear canal by where the wax plug is located.
    • Tilt your head to drain the water.
    • If necessary, perform an irrigation several times to clear away the impaction.
    • One study showed that injecting a small amount of water or oil into your ear before irrigation may help remove the wax more quickly.
    • Never use a water jet device designed for teeth to irrigate your ears!
  5. Purchase a suction device or vacuum to remove earwax. Although this method hasn’t been well-studied, it may work for you if you have a small amount of earwax. [21]
    • Purchase earwax suction devices at many pharmacies or large retailers.
  6. Once you’ve removed your earwax, it’s important to dry your ear thoroughly. This can help ensure that you don’t get an infection or experience other problems. [22]
    • Use a few drops of rubbing alcohol to dry out your ear.
    • A hair dryer set to low can also help dry out your ear.
  7. Understand that every person needs a certain amount of wax to help prevent ear infections. Avoid cleaning your ears too often or using instruments such as cotton swabs to help keep a healthy amount of wax in your ears. [23]
    • Only clean your ears as often as you feel they require it. If you notice you need to clean your ears daily or have excess discharge, see your doctor.
    • Using instruments such as cotton swabs or hair pins can force wax into your ear instead of removing it and may cause infection or other problems.
    • Using instruments can also perforate your ear drum and lead to infection or hearing loss.
  8. If you can’t remove your wax at home or experience other problems, such as pain or severe hearing loss, talk to your doctor about your different treatment options for wax plugs. This can help ensure that you get the most effective, least invasive, and most painless treatment for your impacted cerumen. [24]
    • Your doctor may recommend professional treatments or options to use at home, including drops and irrigation.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Do I need a new candle for each ear?
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer
    Yes, when ear-candling, you should use one candle for each ear. Do not use the same candle on both ears.
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  • Question
    Where can you buy ear candles in Rocky Mount, NC?
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer
    Typically, you can buy ear candles at most health stores including some pharmacies.
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      Tips

      • Perform ear candling with the help of another person to help minimize the risk of burning or fires.
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      Warnings

      • The medical community recommends avoiding ear candles as they may be ineffective or even dangerous. If you’re concerned about earwax buildup, speak to your doctor about other treatment methods.
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      • Refrain from being a subject of ear candling if you have any items surgically implanted in your ears (tubes, hearing devices, etc.).
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      Things You'll Need

      • Ear candles
      • Cotton swabs
      • Cup of water
      • Scissors
      • Matches or a lighter
      • Small, wet towel
      • Someone to assist you

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      References

      1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14428-ear-wax-buildup--blockage
      2. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/medical-procedures/ear-candling.html
      3. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10041208/
      4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2231549/
      5. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/
      6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2231549/
      7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2231549/
      8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2231549/
      9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2231549/
      1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/earwax-blockage/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353007
      2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2231549/
      3. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000979.htm
      4. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000979.htm
      5. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000979.htm
      6. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000979.htm
      7. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24654-ear-drops
      8. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/perforated-eardrum/
      9. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uh2941
      10. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20546687/
      11. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/got-an-ear-full-heres-some-advice-for-ear-wax-removal
      12. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/earwax-blockage/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353007
      13. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/swimmers-ear
      14. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14428-ear-wax-buildup--blockage
      15. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17673-hearing-loss

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To use ear candles, trim the skinny end of a tapered candle so that it fits into your ear canal. Next, cover your head with a damp towel and massage the area behind your jawbone, around your temple, and your scalp for 30 seconds. Then, cut a small hole in a paper plate, place it over your ear, and position the tapered end of the candle in your ear canal. Finally, light the large end of the candle and let it burn for 15 minutes. Trim the candle every 2 inches and let it burn down until it's 3-4 inches tall. For tips on cleaning out your ear after the candle burns down, read on!

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        Feb 1, 2018

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