Beyond causing further blockage, inserting a narrow candle into the ear canal can risk damaging the eardrum. The added risk of hot wax dripping makes a dangerous concoction for the safety of your delicate ears. A ruptured or perforated eardrum can result in hearing loss and increased susceptibility to infection. Not to mention it can be extremely painful. The risks mentioned above far outweigh any benefits ear candles provide. In fact, numerous studies have found no scientific evidence that the candles pull debris from the ear.
In some instances, they even found an increase in wax as a result of candle wax deposits. It keeps our ear canals lubricated and protected while preventing dust and dirt from travelling too far down the ear. Plus, the ear has a self-cleaning mechanism which regulates the removal of ear wax through the ear canal to the outer ear.
Most people do not require additional cleaning, however, a breakdown in this self-cleaning system can cause a condition known as cerumen impaction. If you develop an earwax blockage or are experiencing symptoms like hearing loss or dizziness , you should speak to your healthcare provider to assess your symptoms and discuss ways to safely remove the earwax. Hydrogen peroxide drops can soften wax that has built up.
You can then use a bulb syringe to suction out the softened wax. There is no evidence that ear candling will help sinus discomfort, nor does it seem to help with any other problems that advocates claim, such as earwax build-up, rhinitis, flu, migraine, or tinnitus.
In fact, medical experts warn against ear candling because of safety concerns. Nothing seems to come out of your ear during candling, according to research. What appears on the stub after the process is a substance from the candle itself not your inner ear.
Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Ear candles--efficacy and safety. Ear candling: should general practitioners recommend it? Can Fam Physician. Food and Drug Administration. Import Alert Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Cleveland Clinic. Ear wax removal The best and safest ways to clear clogged ears. Updated January 7, Hornibrook J. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.
At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. Search the Mass. Eye and Ear physician directory to find the right ophthalmology eye or otolaryngology ear, nose and throat specialist. Jen 1 year, 9 months ago.
Interesting article! Can you send me link or place that I can find the studies that you referenced in this article??? Ryan Jaslow 1 year, 8 months ago. Hi Jen, thanks so much for reading the post and your comment.
Here are some links to the studies that Dr. Derek Smedley 8 months, 4 weeks ago. Jean Richard 8 months, 1 week ago. Would like to make an appt to hav wax removed if that is what has happened? Ryan Jaslow 8 months ago. Hi Jean, thanks for reading. To make an appointment with an ear specialist otologist , please contact Learn more about why this works, how to try it, and other treatment options.
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Learn more about the causes and possible treatments for MES. What causes bloody ear wax? Learn the causes, how it's diagnosed and treated, and when you need to seek immediate medical attention. Learn more about why AirPods hurt some…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Story — Updated on December 7, What is ear candling supposed to do?
The science says no. Risk of injuries. Is it worth the risk?
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