My wife enjoys the occasional trip to a spa. She had this done once as part of a package of services. She enjoyed the experience and claims that it did seem to clean out her ears.
It seems pretty simple to me. Earwax is a wax that apparently will burn, and a candle's wick will draw up whatever fuel it can - just as it does in a lantern. Kinda gross to think about, but it's just wicking (literally!) out the wax from one's ear canal and using it for fuel. I'd have to think that it's safer than dumping lots of chemicals in there in an attempt to flush it out.
I don't think I'd want to do it at home though. I'd have to think it would be better to go to someone that at least has experience doing it.
