Do Ear Wax Candles Work?

Ear wax candles have been popping up everywhere in Australia. You’ll see them at health stores, online, and even at some markets, promising to pull out stubborn wax and leave your ears feeling clean. A lot of people swear by them, saying they work wonders. But do ear wax candles work, or is it all just a myth?

That’s where things get messy. Some claim the heat creates a vacuum that sucks out ear wax. Others—especially doctors and scientists—say that’s impossible. Instead of helping, ear candling could actually push wax deeper or even cause burns.

Aussie health experts and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have raised serious concerns, and studies don’t back up the supposed benefits. Still, plenty of people keep using them, hoping for an easy fix.

So, what’s the truth? Do ear candles actually remove wax, or are they a risky waste of time? Let’s break it down, look at the evidence, and see what the experts say.

What Are Ear Wax Candles and How Do They Claim to Work?

Ear candles are hollow, cone-shaped tubes made from fabric, like cotton or muslin, coated in wax—usually beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax. Some versions also include essential oils or herbs like chamomile or rosemary for added appeal. 

They’re about 10 inches long and are designed to be inserted into the ear canal while the other end is lit. The idea is that the flame creates a warm suction effect, supposedly pulling out earwax and impurities.

In Australia, ear candles are easy to find in health stores, online shops, and even some pharmacies. They’re marketed as tools for wellness and relaxation, often tied to claims of improving hearing, relieving sinus issues, and even detoxifying the body. 

Many people use them at home, but some also seek out practitioners like herbalists or beauty therapists who offer ear candling sessions.

Proponents believe the process works by creating a vacuum effect—a “chimney” that draws earwax and debris into the candle. 

Afterward, when the candle is cut open, the residue inside is often mistaken for extracted wax. It’s also said to help with conditions like tinnitus, headaches, and sinus infections. Some even claim it can reduce stress or improve overall ear health.

Do Ear Wax Candles Really Work? The Science Behind It

Ear wax candles have been studied extensively, and the results are clear—they don’t work as claimed. Scientific research has consistently shown that these candles don’t create any suction strong enough to remove earwax. 

In fact, tests have demonstrated that no vacuum effect occurs during the process. Instead, the residue found inside the used candle is just a mix of burnt wax and fabric, not earwax or debris from the ear.

Studies conducted in Australia and internationally have debunked the idea that ear candling can clear blocked ears or improve hearing. For example, Australian medical experts, including ENT specialists and organizations like the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), have warned against using them. 

They emphasize that there’s no evidence supporting their effectiveness. Instead of removing wax, ear candles can sometimes leave behind candle wax in the ear canal, making things worse.

Health professionals in Australia regularly see patients with injuries caused by ear candles. These include burns to the ear or face, blockages from melted wax, and even perforated eardrums. 

Some patients have reported temporary hearing loss or infections after using them. ENT clinics and hearing specialists strongly advise against this method because of these risks.

The TGA has also flagged safety concerns and has regulated ear candles as therapeutic goods. Despite this, they remain widely available online and in alternative health shops, which contributes to their continued use. 

However, experts agree that safer and more effective options exist for managing earwax buildup, such as professional cleaning or over-the-counter drops.

Risks and Dangers of Ear Wax Candles

Ear wax candles might seem harmless, but they come with real risks. Many people in Australia have reported burns, blockages, and injuries after using them.

1. Burns and Injuries from Melted Wax

One of the biggest dangers of ear candles is the risk of burns. These candles are held close to the face while lit, and melted wax can easily drip into the ear or onto the skin. 

There have been cases where people ended up with blistered ear canals, burns on their faces, and even singed hair from using them.

Some people assume ear candles are safe because they’re sold in health stores, but doctors frequently treat ear injuries caused by them.

2. Ear Blockages from Wax Residue

Instead of pulling ear wax out, ear candles often leave behind their own wax, which can create an even worse blockage. This can lead to:

• Muffled hearing
• Ear discomfort or pressure
• A higher risk of infection

Some people don’t even realise they’ve pushed wax deeper until their hearing suddenly gets worse. 

A quick ear check from a doctor often reveals chunks of candle wax stuck in the ear canal—the exact opposite of what people are trying to achieve.

3. Fire Hazards and Accidents in Australia

Holding an open flame near your face is never a good idea, but ear candles require people to do exactly that. Accidents happen, and there have been cases where people:

• Dropped the candle mid-use, causing burns and small fires
• Set their hair or clothing on fire
• Knocked over nearby objects, leading to household fires

Are Ear Wax Candles Legal in Australia?

In Australia, ear wax candles are not banned but are no longer regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as of December 2020. 

Instead, they fall under the oversight of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). 

Despite this, you can still legally buy ear candles online in Australia. However, health experts caution against their use due to safety risks like burns and ear blockages.

Safe and Effective Alternatives for Ear Wax Removal

Removing ear wax safely is all about choosing methods that work without causing harm. Over-the-counter solutions like ear drops and irrigation kits are a good starting point. 

Drops made from olive oil, glycerin, or hydrogen peroxide help soften the wax, making it easier to flush out. Irrigation kits use gentle streams of warm water to clear blockages, but they should be used carefully to avoid irritation.

If you’re dealing with stubborn wax, professional ear cleaning is the safest option. Audiologists and ENT specialists use techniques like micro-suction or manual removal with specialized tools. 

At Hearing and Audiology, we offer these services at a very affordable rate. Please click here to call us now to book.

For simple home remedies, you can try softening the wax with baby oil or mineral oil. After a day or two, use a rubber-bulb syringe with warm water to rinse your ear gently. Always ensure your eardrum is intact before using these methods.

Here are signs you might need medical help:

• Persistent blockage: If ear drops don’t work after several days.
• Pain or discomfort: Earaches or swelling could signal an infection.
• Hearing loss: Sudden or worsening hearing issues.

Key Takeaway

Ear wax candles might seem like a simple fix, but they don’t actually remove wax—and they come with serious risks. Burns, blockages, and ear injuries have all been linked to them, and plenty of Australian health experts strongly advise against using them.

Some people feel relief after using them, but that’s often just the warmth, not because the candle did anything useful. Doctors and audiologists see the damage they cause all the time, from wax pushed further into the ear to burns that take weeks to heal.

There are safer and more effective ways to deal with ear wax. Over-the-counter ear drops help soften and clear buildup, and professional ear cleaning services use safe, evidence-based methods. If your ears feel blocked or you’re struggling with hearing changes, it’s always best to get them checked by a specialist.

If you’re looking for safe ear care, Hearing and Audiology clinics in Australia offer professional ear wax removal without the risks. Book an appointment with an expert to protect your ears and keep your hearing clear.

FAQs About Ear Wax Candles