1: Laryngoscope. 1996 Oct;106(10):1226-9.

Ear candles--efficacy and safety.

Seely DR, Quigley SM, Langman AW.

Spokane Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic, WA 99204, USA.

Ear candles are a popular and inexpensive alternative health treatment advocated 
for cerumen removal. A hollow candle is burned with one end in the ear canal with
the intent of creating negative pressure and drawing cerumen from the ear. If
effective, significant savings could result from the use of ear candles. This
study evaluates the efficacy and safety of this alternative method for cerumen
management. Tympanometric measurements in an ear canal model demonstrated that
ear candles do not produce negative pressure. A limited clinical trial (eight
ears) showed no removal of cerumen from the external auditory canal. Candle wax
was actually deposited in some. A survey of 122 otolaryngologists identified 21
ear injuries resulting from ear candle use. Ear candles have no benefit in the
management of cerumen and may result in serious injury.


PMID: 8849790 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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