Learn about ear wax removal candles, how they work, and whether they are safe.

How do ear candles work

Ear wax candles are hollow cones made of fabric covered in wax. Most ear candles are about a foot in length. The pointed end of the candle is placed in your ear, while you light the slightly wider end. Proponents of ear candling claim that the warmth created by the flame causes suction, which pulls earwax and other impurities out of the ear canal and into the hollow candle.

Do ear candles work

Ear wax candle results in very little benefit and some danger when being used. There’s no evidence to suggest that they help remove ear wax, and research indicates they involve a high level of risk to the sensitive inner ear. In 2017, the American Academy of Otolaryngology published updated clinical practice guidelines for earwax removal, stating, “Ear candling or ear coning is NOT a safe option for earwax removal. Research shows that ear candling does NOT create a vacuum to suck earwax from the ear.”

Are ear wax candles safe?

Very few studies have illustrated the benefit to using ear candles, however many have shown evidence of potential risk and harm. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) even  issued a warning  to consumers and healthcare providers not to use ear candles because they can cause serious injuries, even when used according to directions. The FDA added that they’ve received reports of people who experienced burns, perforated eardrums, and even ear canal blockages that required surgery caused by ear candles.  

Shop ScopeAround Today!

The safest way to remove wax from your ear canal is to use a digital otoscope - so you can see exactly what you are doing in your ear. ScopeAround brought the first digital otoscope with camera for consumers to the market over five years ago so we have more experience and customer feedback to make the best digital otoscopes available. We make a complete range of digital otoscope products including free-standing models to USB-connected, Lightning cable-connected, and WiFi-connected devices with an otoscope camera app for your mobile device.

ScopeAround brought the first digital otoscope with camera for consumers to the market over five years ago so we have more experience and customer feedback to make the best digital otoscopes available. We make a complete range of digital otoscope products including free-standing models to USB-connected, Lightning cable-connected, and WiFi-connected devices with an otoscope camera app for your mobile device. 

 

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