Instructions to Use Ear Candles

Sizing

When choosing a candle, you want to ensure that it fits properly to the contours of your ear. You can use scissors to trim the ends which will make sure it fills the ear canal rightly. The open should be passable and have a clear pathway that leads from the candle to the opposite end. If there are any obstruction, use a long pointed object to clear the way.

Clean your hands and ears

You want to reduce the risk of any bacteria spreading into the ear which can lead to infections. So make sure you thoroughly wash the hands and clean around the ear before you begin. A soft soap that has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties is highly suggested. Use a damp cloth to clean and wipe around the ear. 

Cover your head

Use a large damp towel that can cover the head and upper torso of the body. During the process, it is not uncommon for ash to fall and this will help prevent it from hitting you. Your hair, head, shoulders and upper torso should be concealed under the towel.

Rub the ear

How to use ear candles includes messaging from just behind the ear, jaw line, temple to the scalp for 30 seconds before you begin the process. This will help stimulate circulation to the ear as well as help you relax. 

Cover the ear

Use a small pie tin or paper plate with a hole cut in the center and place it over the ear. The hole should be large enough for the candle to fit in. This is done to reduce the risk of being burned or hit with falling ashes.

Position the candle

Fit the small end of the candle through the hole in the paper plate or pie tin over your ear. Ensure that the candle remains vertical during the process. 

Light the candle

You should have someone with you to light the end of the candle. The candle is placed properly if there is no smoking coming from between the ear and smaller end of the candle. If you see smoke, then you will need to adjust or re position the candle. If needed, start over with a new candle.

Burn the candle

You should allow the candle to burn for about fifteen minutes. This will reduce your risk of getting burned and will allow for the proper about of wax to gather for removal.

Trim the candle

Have a bowl of water nearby so you can trim the candle every two inches after burning. By trimming the candle this way, you will limit the amount of ashes from falling.

Wait and remove the candle

How to use ear candles will include one important step, which is to extinguish the flame when there is about three inches left. Once the candle has burned down to this height, have the person with you put the flame out in a bowl of water.

Check the candle stub

Once the candle has been removed from the ear, look at the stub of the candle. There should be a mixture of debris and wax collected on it. If you already put the candle into water, then this debris and wax may not be noticeable.

Clean the ear

When you are done with the ear candling, you need to clean to outer area of the ear and the ear canal. You need to clean this area carefully so you do not accidentally push any wax down in the ear. Use a cloth or cotton swab to clean the area, but don't push the cotton swab too far into the ear.

Repeat

Once you have done one ear, repeat the process on the other ear. Follow the steps the same way as you did with the first ear using a new candle.

However, there are risks to performing the ear candling process. The FDA ( the US. Food and Drug Administration) has put out warnings encouraging people not to use this kind of treatment to remove ear wax build up. This is because there is a major risk of serious injury occurring even when done properly. Besides, there is not much evidence that supports the effectiveness of the process. There have been reports, however, of the following injuries and negative effects:

• Facial, outer and inner ear, and eardrum burns.

• Accidental starting a fire resulting in various burns.

• Inner ear damage from wax falling into the ear causing it to plug up.

• Eardrum damage.

• Loss of hearing.

• Surgery needed to remove ear canal blockage . 
  

How to use ear candles should never be performed on children. Children and infants have a much higher risk of suffering from injuries and other complications from using ear candles. 

If you have excess wax build up, talk to your doctor about how to safely remove it. Most doctors will suggest a flushing of the ear or you can try one of these safe methods:

• Ear wax softening drops.

• Use a bulb style syringe to flush the ear out. 

• Other approved treatments suggested by you doctor.

And remember always make an appointment with an otolaryngologist if you have any other issues with your ears.