Research has found that ear candling doesn't work. It may also burn or damage the ear. Essential oils — such as tea tree oil or garlic oil — are also not a proven treatment for earwax blockage. There is no data that shows they are safe for earwax removal, or that they work.

Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 2 ounces of warm water. If you have a dropper bottle, pour the solution into it. Tilt your head to the side and gently drip 5 to 10 drops of the solution into your ear, 1 drop at a time. Leave the solution in the ear for up to 1 hour, then flush with water.

Ear candles have been used for years in an attempt to remove wav from the ear canal, but, do they actually work? The short answer is a definite no. In fact, most medical experts agree that this archaic way of removing earwax is unsafe and ineffective, often doing more harm than good.

Size the small end of the candle to your ear and wash your hands (and ear) before using it. Cover your head with a towel and sit upright to begin. Put a paper plate over your ear for protection, place the candle over your ear canal, and let it burn, trimming it periodically. Afterward, clean your ear.

Ear candling can be performed by beauticians, alternative therapists, or by patients using kits at home. It is used mainly to remove ear wax, though it has also been used to try to relieve sinus pain, cure ear infections, help relieve tinnitus and vertigo, and even strengthen the brain!