Resources

This is a growing list of ear candle information resources. I drew on many of these in researching and writing for this website. If you would like to suggest an addition to this list, please contact me!

Health Canada Information

It's Your Health - Ear Candling
Medical Devices
DRAFT Guidance for the Risk-based Classification System

Published research, case reports, and commentaries

Seely DR, Quigley SM, Langman AW. "Ear candles—efficacy and safety". Laryngoscope. 1996 Oct;106(10):1226-9.
McCarter DF, Courtney AU, Pollart SM. "Cerumen Impaction". Am Fam Physician. 2007 May 15;75(10):1523-8. Review.
Rafferty J, Tsikoudas A, Davis BC. "Ear candling: Should general practitioners recommend it?". Can Fam Physician. 2007 Dec; 53(12): 2121–2.
Kutz JW Jr, Fayad JN. "Ear Candles". Ear Nose Throat J. 2008 Sep;87(9):499.
Ernst E. "Ear candles: a triumph of ignorance over science". J Laryngol Otol. 2004 Jan;118(1):1-2. Review.
Zackaria M, Aymat A. "Ear candling: a case report". Eur J Gen Pract. 2009;15(3):168-9.

Critical Articles

Lisa Roazen, M.D. "Why Ear Candling Is Not A Good Idea". Quackwatch
Kaushall P, Kaushall JN. "On Ear Cones and Candles". Skeptical Inquirer 24.5. Sept/Oct 2000
Clark J, Beck DL, Kutz JW Jr. "Ear Candles and Candling: Ineffective and Dangerous". American Academy of Audiology. Op Ed.
Cecil Adams. "How do "ear candles" work?". The Straight Dope. 1995 March 10

News and Magazine Articles

Joe Schwarcz. "Don't put a candle in your ear and save $25". The Gazette (Montreal). 2008 Aug 30
Elizabeth Bromstein. "Wax on, wax off. Does candling clear canal or burn it?" NOW Magazine 24.20. 2005 Jan 13
"Beloved nurse dies in apartment fire". Tundra Drums 32.47. 2005 Feb 3

Books

Singh, S. and Ernzt, E. (2008). Trick or Treatment: Alternative medicine on trial. Bantam Press.

Other Resources

Wikipedia
Skepdic
What's the harm?
Food and Drug Administration