HA HA... well I'm glad my experience could offer some insights. Though Robin, I'll bet, when used properly, that they would have been pretty helpful with the water in your ear.
Cara, my ear is much better now

Though I tend to have a bit of ringing in that ear - I'm not sure if it was before or after the candling incident??
And Ms. D, I'd definitely try a professional

And you can ask them ahead of time "ever burned anyone's inner ear??" HA HA HA!!