Beeswax ear wax removal kits, also known as ear candles, use "candles" made of muslin dipped in bees wax and rolled into a cone or candle shape to purportedly remove excess wax from your ears. In February 2010, the United States Food and Drug Administration warned consumers of the risk of burns from ear candles, and advised against their use. When researchers at Creighton University experimented with ear candles, they found no evidence that the candles removed any wax from ears. If you want to use these candles in your ears, practice safety precautions to guard against burns.
Step 1
Poke a hole in the center of the pie tin with the scissors. Insert the ear candle into this hole, smaller end first.
Step 2
Measure 4 inches from the small end of the ear candle. Mark this point with the marker. Do not burn the candle past this point.
Step 3
Instruct the person whose ear is to be candled to lie on his side, with his head on a small pillow. Insert the small end of the candle into his ear. Creighton University researcher, Dr. Dirk Williams, advises making sure there's a good seal between the candle and the sides of the ear drum. You don't want any air space around the candle. The pie tin should rest against the side of the head, with the small end of the candle sticking in the ear.
Step 4
Light the fat end of the beeswax cone with the matches. Monitor the candle as it burns. Cut away the ash each time it builds up on the end of the candle. Any ash should fall into the pie tin. When the candle reaches the point you marked, remove it from the ear and extinguish it in water.
Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Disposable pie tin
- Tape measure
- Marker
- Small pillow
- Matches
