Ear Candles: Are They Worth Trying?

Elite Hearing
April 6, 2025
Hearing Aid

If you’ve ever searched online for home remedies to remove earwax, you’ve probably come across ear candling. Marketed as a natural way to draw out wax and “detoxify” the ears, ear candles have grown in popularity over the years. But are they safe? Do they really work?

Here’s the thing – earwax, also called cerumen, plays an important role in keeping your ears healthy. It traps dust and bacteria, moisturizes the ear canal, and often clears out on its own. While some buildup is normal, using dangerous methods (like ear candles) can put your ears at risk.

Instead of relying on risky trends, it’s best to see an audiologist if you’re experiencing discomfort, blockages, or hearing loss due to earwax. Your ears deserve expert care.

Elite Hearing of Colorado Springs connects you to audiologists in Colorado Springs, CO.

How Are Ear Candles Used?

Ear candling involves placing a hollow, cone-shaped waxed cloth into the ear canal and lighting the exposed end. The idea is that the candle creates a vacuum that pulls wax and toxins from the ear into the base of the cone.

The person usually lies on their side while the candle burns for about 10–15 minutes. A plate or foil barrier is sometimes used to catch ash or melted wax.

While this may sound like a harmless spa treatment, ear candling comes with serious risks and no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness.

What Do Experts Say About Ear Candling?

Most medical professionals and hearing specialists strongly discourage ear candling. Despite its popularity, there is no proof that ear candles create a vacuum strong enough to draw out wax.

In fact, studies show that residue found inside used ear candles is usually just melted candle wax, not earwax.

Ear candles can actually lead to more harm than good. Some common injuries reported include:

Burns to the face, hair, or ear canal
Dripping wax that enters the ear and causes blockages
Perforated eardrums from improper use or accidents
Ear canal damage from improper insertion

Many audiologists, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors, and medical researchers agree: ear candling is unsafe and ineffective.

FDA’s Stand on Ear Candles

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued multiple warnings about ear candles. According to the FDA:

“There is no valid scientific evidence to support the safety or effectiveness of these devices for any medical purpose.”

The FDA also classifies ear candles as dangerous, especially for children. In fact, they have taken action against some companies selling or promoting ear candles with medical claims. These products are not approved for use and can cause injury or infection.

Simply put, the risks outweigh the benefits. When it comes to your hearing health, it’s best to avoid unproven remedies like ear candling.

How Can I Remove Wax Safely?

Ear wax is your body’s natural defense system. It protects the ear canal from dust, dirt, and bacteria. Most of the time, earwax moves out of the ear on its own and doesn’t need help. However, some people produce more wax than others or may have narrow canals that trap buildup.

When that happens, you might experience:

A feeling of fullness or pressure
Difficulty hearing
Itching or ringing in the ears
Occasional dizziness

Trying to remove wax with ear candles may only make things worse. The heat from the candle can push wax deeper, burn the skin, or even perforate the eardrum.

Instead, consider safer and medically approved methods for earwax removal.

An audiologist can safely remove ear wax or any impaction in your ears. Contact Elite Hearing of Colorado Springs to be connected to an expert audiologist in Colorado Springs, CO.

What Are Safer Methods to Clean Our Ears?

Here are some tips and alternatives for keeping your ears clean and healthy:

1. Leave Them Alone

In most cases, your ears don’t need to be cleaned. The wax works itself out naturally during activities like talking or chewing.

2. Use a Warm Cloth

Wipe the outer ear gently with a warm, damp cloth. Don’t insert anything into your ear canal.

3. Over-the-Counter Drops

Earwax softening drops (such as mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide, or saline-based solutions) can be used safely when recommended by a provider.

4. Irrigation

Some doctors recommend gentle ear irrigation using warm water to rinse out softened wax. Never attempt this if you have a history of ear infections or eardrum issues.

5. Schedule a Professional Cleaning

An audiologist can safely remove wax using special tools or gentle suction. It’s quick, painless, and highly effective.

Elite Hearing of Colorado Springs offers professional ear wax removal in Colorado Springs, CO as part of our comprehensive hearing care services. Our audiologists will assess your ears and determine the safest course of action.

Conclusion

Ear wax might seem like an annoyance, but it actually plays a vital role in protecting your ears. While it’s tempting to try DIY solutions like ear candles, the risks are simply too high. Medical professionals agree that ear candling is unsafe, ineffective, and can cause serious injury.

Instead of taking matters into your own hands, trust a licensed audiologist to help with ear wax concerns. At Elite Hearing of Colorado Springs, we provide safe, effective, and personalized care to ensure your hearing health is at its prime.