From the Guidelines
Ear wax candles are not recommended for earwax removal as they have no proven efficacy and may cause harm, including burns, ear canal occlusions, and tympanic membrane perforation. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommends against the use of ear candles for earwax removal, citing a lack of scientific evidence to support their effectiveness and potential risks associated with their use 1. Instead, the recommended treatment for earwax buildup is to first try home remedies such as over-the-counter ear drops like Debrox, Murine, or generic carbamide peroxide solutions. Apply 5-10 drops into the affected ear twice daily for 3-4 days to soften the wax. After treatment, gently flush the ear with warm water using a rubber bulb syringe. Alternatively, you can use mineral oil, baby oil, or olive oil as softening agents, applying a few drops twice daily for 1-2 days before irrigation. For stubborn cases, hydrogen peroxide diluted 1:1 with water can be effective. Never insert cotton swabs, hairpins, or other objects into the ear canal as these can push wax deeper or damage the ear canal or eardrum. If home treatments fail, or if you have ear pain, drainage, hearing loss, or a history of eardrum perforation, seek professional care. A healthcare provider can safely remove impacted earwax through irrigation, suction, or manual removal with specialized tools.
Some key points to consider when treating earwax buildup include:
- Avoid using ear candles or other objects that can push wax deeper into the ear canal
- Use over-the-counter ear drops or softening agents to help loosen and remove earwax
- Irrigate the ear with warm water using a rubber bulb syringe after using ear drops or softening agents
- Avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to remove earwax, as this can cause damage to the ear canal or eardrum
- Seek professional care if home treatments are unsuccessful or if you experience ear pain, drainage, hearing loss, or other symptoms.
It's also important to note that earwax naturally protects the ear by trapping dust and repelling water, but excessive production or improper cleaning can lead to buildup that blocks sound transmission. Therefore, it's essential to prioritize safe and effective treatment methods to avoid causing harm to the ear canal or eardrum 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions FOR USE IN THE EAR ONLY. Adults and children over 12 years of age: Tilt head sideways and place 5 to 10 drops into ear Tip of applicator should not enter ear canal Keep drops in ear for several minutes by keeping head tilted or placing cotton in the ear Use twice daily for up to 4 days if needed, or as directed by a doctor Any wax remaining after treatment may be removed by gently flusing the ear with warm water, using a soft rubber bulb ear syringe Directions FOR USE IN THE EAR ONLY adults and children over 12 years of age: • tilt head sideways • place 5 to 10 drops into ear • tip of applicator should not enter ear canal • keep drops in ear for several minutes by keeping head tilted or placing cotton in the ear • use twice daily for up to four days if needed, or as directed by a doctor • any wax remaining after treatment may be removed by gently flushing the ear with warm water, using a soft rubber bulb ear syringe The recommended treatment for earwax buildup is to use ear drops, such as hydrogen peroxide (OTIC) 2 or carbamide peroxide (OTIC) 3, and then flush the ear with warm water using a soft rubber bulb ear syringe if needed.
- Ear wax candles are not mentioned in the provided drug labels. The FDA drug label does not answer the question about ear wax candles.
From the Research
Ear Wax Removal Methods
- Ear candles are a popular alternative health treatment for cerumen removal, but their efficacy and safety have been questioned 4
- The recommended treatment for earwax buildup is not ear candles, as they do not produce negative pressure and do not remove cerumen from the external auditory canal 4
Risks Associated with Ear Candles
- Ear candles can actually deposit candle wax in the ear canal, rather than removing earwax 4
- A survey of otolaryngologists found 21 ear injuries resulting from ear candle use, highlighting the potential risks of this treatment 4
Effective Treatment Options
- There is no evidence to support the use of ear candles for earwax removal, and other methods, such as tympanometric measurements and clinical trials, have shown no benefit to their use 4
- It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment of earwax buildup, rather than relying on alternative methods like ear candles 4