Studies by otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat doctors) have shown that ear candling can cause burns, blockages in the ear canal, ear infections, and ear drum perforations even if you use the candle according to the packaging. [4] X Research source Most medical doctors believe that ear candling is ineffective for removing wax. [5] X Research source
Use the scissors to trim the end, making the opening slightly larger so it fills the ear canal. Make sure the opening is passable. There should be a clear pathway from one end of the candle to the other. If necessary, use a sharp, pointy object to remove any obstruction from the small end.
You can wash your hands with a simple and basic soap. You may want to use an soft soap that is antimicrobial and antibacterial. Wipe off your ear with a moist cloth.
Make sure to cover your head, hair, shoulders, and upper torso.
Be careful; if you do not do this correctly, you could burn yourself. Physicians often do not recommend using ear candles because of this risk.
Massage the area behind your jawbone, around your temple and your scalp. Rub for at least 30 seconds to open up the area around your ear.
Use any type of paper plate or pie tin, which you can buy at most grocery stores. Make sure the hole corresponds to the size of the end of the ear candle. Fit the candle into this hole and hold it up over the ear being cleaned.
Keep the candle in a vertically upright position. When sitting upright, the candle should be at an approximately 30 degree angle. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
You will know if the candle is properly in place if no smoke escapes from between your ear and the small end of the candle. If you do not have a secure fit, readjust your position or the candle. It is important to get the secure fitting. If this takes a while, you may need to try again using a new candle.
You can remove the candle to trim it into the bowl of water. Simply replace it securely in the canal when you’re finished.
If the burn takes a while, have your assistant check the small end’s opening after a few minutes to make sure it is not obstructed. If necessary, use a toothpick to swiftly clear the opening and reinsert the candle in the ear.
If you put the candle into water immediately, you may not see any wax. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
You can use a cloth or cotton swab to clean the ear. Just make sure to not put a cotton swab all the way into your ear, which can push wax further into your ear or perforate your ear drum. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Use a soft cloth to wipe around the outside of your ear and on your outer ear canal. [17] X Research source If you like, you can wet the cloth slightly with warm water. [18] X Research source Wrap a paper tissue around your finger and gently wipe your outer ear and outer ear canal with the tissue. [19] X Research source
Most over the counter drops are mineral oil and peroxide solutions. [21] X Research source The hydrogen peroxide will not dissolve your wax, but help it move through the ear canal. [22] X Research source When using hydrogen peroxide, lie on your bed with your head to its side and a towel placed under your head. Pour (or use a rubber bulb) a small amount of H2O2 into the ear. The ear will start to feel warm and you will begin to hear a bubbling sound. This is normal. Roll your ear over onto the towel to let the peroxide drain out. Repeat on other side. If you have any ear discharge consult a doctor immediately. Make sure to follow the package instructions for using the products to help ensure you don’t cause further problems. If you have an eardrum perforation or suspect that you may, do not use an over the counter preparation. [23] X Research source The symptoms of a perforated eardrum include bloody or pus-filled discharge from your ear, hearing loss, or a ringing sound in your ear. [24] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You can purchase over the counter earwax removal drops at most pharmacies and some large retailers. Cerumenolytics (peroxide & mineral oil) can lead to complications including allergic reactions, otitis externa, transient hearing loss, and dizziness.
You can use baby or mineral oils as a treatment. [26] X Research source Place one drop of baby or mineral oil in each ear and let it sit for a few minutes before allowing it to drain out. [27] X Research source You may also try olive oil. [28] X Research source However, one study found that water was more effective at removing ear wax than olive oil. [29] X Research source There are no studies about how often its helpful to use oil or glycerin drops, but no more than a few times a week should be fine. [30] X Research source
You’ll need a medical syringe to use this method, which you can buy at most pharmacies. [33] X Research source Fill the syringe with body temperature water. Using cooler or warmer water may cause dizziness or vertigo. [34] X Research source Hold your head upright and gently pull the outside of your ear upward to straighten your ear canal. [35] X Research source Inject a small stream of water into your ear canal by where the wax plug is located. [36] X Research source Tilt your head to drain the water. [37] X Research source You may need to perform an irrigation several times in order to clear away the impaction. [38] X Research source One study showed that injecting a small amount of water or oil into your ear before irrigation may help remove the wax more quickly. [39] X Research source Never use a water jet device designed for teeth to irrigate your ears![40] X Research source
You can get earwax suction devices at many pharmacies or large retailers.
You can use a few drops of rubbing alcohol to dry out your ear. [43] X Research source A hair dryer set to low can also help dry out your ear. [44] X Research source
Only clean your ears as often as you feel they require it. If you notice you need to clean your ears daily or excess discharge, see your doctor. [46] X Research source Using instruments such as cotton swabs or hair pins can force wax into your ear instead of removing it, and may cause infection or other problems. [47] X Research source Using instruments can also perforate your ear drum and lead to infection or hearing loss. [48] X Research source
Your doctor may recommend professional treatments or options that you can use at home, including drops and irrigation. [49] X Research source
