Earwax often gets a bad reputation for being dirty, but it’s actually your body’s natural cleanser. As wax moves from the inside of your ear canal to the outer ear, it picks up dead skin cells, dirt, and even hair—helping keep debris away from the eardrum.
Some people never need to clean their ears, since a small amount of wax protects the ear canal. However, others experience a buildup that can cause discomfort or hearing issues. Blockages occur when wax can’t exit the canal properly, sometimes due to the ear’s shape or because the wax becomes dry and impacted. Leaving excess wax in the ear for too long increases the risk of infection developing behind it.
Common symptoms of earwax blockages include earache or itching, decreased hearing in the affected ear, a feeling of fullness, ringing, and even dizziness. If you experience any of these, it’s best to have a medical or hearing professional take a look. They can confirm if wax is the cause and safely remove it if needed.
Having a professional handle wax removal is always the safest option. They are trained to see what’s happening inside the canal and use proper tools. While some medical offices still use large metal syringes to flush the ears, safer methods include:
- Small curettes to gently scoop the wax
- Light vacuum suction
- Flushing with low-pressure water systems
If you prefer to manage wax at home, there are several safe, gentle methods you can try:
- Bulb syringe with water or saline solution
- Letting warm water from the shower run into your ears to help flush out wax
- Over-the-counter ear drops designed to soften wax
- Some contain oils that soften wax for easier rinsing, while others use hydrogen peroxide to break it down naturally.
- Mineral oil, olive oil, or baby oil
- Use 2–3 drops daily to soften wax, then rinse in the shower or bathtub.
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Tilt your head to the side and place a few drops in the canal. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then bring your head back upright to let the liquid drain onto a cloth or paper towel.
- Only do this once daily for up to four days. Overuse of peroxide can irritate and damage the ear canal’s delicate skin.
As long as you don’t have a hole or tube in your eardrum, these methods are safe to try. If your eardrum is open or you’re unsure, avoid flushing altogether and let a professional handle it.
Keep in mind that not everyone needs earwax removal. In fact, most people don’t. The safest first step is to have a medical or hearing professional take a look and let you know if cleaning is necessary. And remember the timeless advice: “Don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear!”
If you think you may have a wax buildup, book an appointment at Sound Hearing for an ear cleaning! The second Wednesday of every month is Wax Wednesday, and the cost is just $15 per ear! No wax, no charge!