Question: My wife has started having ear-candling done at a local spa. She says she hears better after having wax removed. Is this harmful?

Dr. Hibberd’s answer:

Do not use ear-candling to try to remove ear wax. It is dangerous. Serious burns and permanent hearing loss are not infrequent complications of ear candling. Do not use ear candling for any reason ever.

Ear wax can accumulate in the external ear canal, more often in some than others. If the over the counter drops for ear wax removal are not for you, go to your family doctor and ask to have your impacted ear wax removed. Often drops will be provided for you to use before removal to help soften the wax, then the wax can be gently irrigated clear without trauma to the tissue.

Irrigation is safe with experienced hands who know to do it safely and effectively. Sometimes your doctor may also use a soft disposable plastic curette to snag a wax ball. Avoid using Q-tips for impacted wax. You will often pack it further back.