We often hear people say ‘why would I have microsuction when I can buy an ear candle for a fraction of the price?’ The answer is because ear candles are dangerous and do not work.

There is a range of different ear candles on the market, the most popular ones are Hopi candles, basic candles and ear cones. The all follow the same technique whereby the patient lays on their side with the candle inserted slightly into their ear. The opposite end is lit and is allowed to burn down. The theory is that the flame in the hollow candle creates a vacuum and sucks out the wax and debris from the canal. Some manufacturers go on to claim that the candles will purify blood, aid circulation, clear sinus infections, and even cure cancers. These claims are all false.

In an interview with Dr Cher (Xue) Zhao by ‘Mass, Eye and Ear Communications’ in 2019, she states “Researchers have also analyzed the brown residue or debris at the end of the candle and it doesn’t have any components of normal ear wax, but rather anticlimactically, it’s just the burnt beeswax from the candle,”. What Dr Zhao is saying is supported by many articles and research papers, Ernst 2006 states ‘the mode of action is implausible and demonstrably wrong’ whilst Seely 1996 found that negative pressure is not created by using an ear canal model.

Not only do the candles not do what they are intended for, they also come with some very real risks. As the wax is melting down the candle, it is not uncommon for it to drop off. This can land on the face, neck, scalp and even inside the ear canal. Hot wax can cause serious burns to any area of skin and inside the ear canal it can lead to a host of complications. A burn inside the ear canal will not only be extremely painful, but can also cause bleeding and an open wound which leaves the area high risk for infection and even hearing loss. The ear drum can also become damaged or perforated by hot wax which can lead to ongoing problems. Not only this, the hot wax once in the canal will begin to cool and this then creates a blockage which will need to be removed by a professional.

In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about ear candles, stating the above risks and adding that they also cause delays for people who need legitimate treatment. In an article by Kirkwood in 2012, he states ‘the FDA sent warning letters to 15 ear candle manufacturers notifying them that they did not have FDA approval to market their products for medical use and therefore appeared to be selling misbranded medical devices.’  To this, the manufacturers denied they were medical devices, instead saying they are intended for “relaxation, comfort, reduction of stress, and for the natural furtherance of the well-being of the user.” This speaks volumes, if the manufacturers are not able to defend ear candles as a ‘medical device’, even without the stacking evidence against them, suspicions should be raised.

If you feel you need to remove wax or debris from your ear canal then I hope, after reading this, you will not attempt an ear candle. To read about the safer technique of microsuction please see our blog post ‘Syringing vs Microsuction’.