Though ear candling has been practiced for millennia, the practice’s authenticity is still questioned. “It is best defined as the use of an ear candle which is (typically) a beeswax or ...

A new report, by ear specialists, says patients should not use ear candles. Besides, says Dr. Kutz, ear wax is actually a good thing. He says it protects and lubricates the ear.

The candles are being marketed as treatments for a variety of conditions, including ear wax buildup, sinus infections, hearing loss, headaches, colds, flu and sore throats.

Many people use ear candles to help improve their hearing and to deal with ear wax build-up, but some doctors say the candles can pose a risk.

As the L.A. Times health blog reports, the Food and Drug Administration recently issued a warning advising consumers not to use "ear candles"—fabric that is ...

Use ear candles. There is no evidence that they remove impacted earwax, and candling can cause serious damage to the ear canal and eardrum. Ignore your symptoms.

To safely remove ear wax, doctors advise people to use peroxide ear drops and irrigate the ear with a saline solution. People should not stick cotton swabs inside their ears.