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What are some safe ways to deal with earwax?

By Alexandra Carmichael, Au.D.
Audiology Consultants, P.C.

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is naturally produced in the ear canal. A certain amount of earwax is healthy and plays a very important role in protecting the ear canal from dust, bacteria, and other foreign substances. Without earwax you may be more prone to itchy/dry ear canals. Generally, our ears are self-cleaning and when the earwax is ready to come out it can be removed easily with a warm cloth while bathing. However, excessive buildup of earwax can lead to discomfort and temporary hearing loss if not treated correctly. When removing earwax, it’s best to do so safely to avoid damaging the eardrum and fragile bones of the middle ear.

Over-the-Counter Drops:

Over-the-counter ear drops are a popular choice for softening earwax, making it easier to remove. These drops typically contain hydrogen peroxide, saline solution, or other mineral oils that help break down the wax slowly. It is best to follow the instructions on the box.

Water Irrigation:

Flushing out excess earwax using warm (body temperature) water is often used by nurses in physician’s offices for earwax removal. They will fill a bulb syringe with water and gently squirt it into the ear canal. When attempting this at home it is best to make sure the water is not too hot or cold to prevent triggering a dizziness response. While gently spraying the water into your ear canal, tilt your head to allow the water to drain out, along with the softened wax. Avoid using forceful water pressure (like water picks), as it can damage the eardrum. This method is best to use in combination with Over-the-Counter Drops.

Seeking Professional Help:

If you’re unsure about how to safely remove earwax or if you experience pain, discomfort, or a significant decrease in hearing, it’s best to seek assistance from a healthcare professional (e.g., Nurse, Primary Care Physician, ENT, or Audiologist). These specialists are heavily trained to safely remove stubborn earwax using specialized tools and techniques.

Precautions:

• Avoid using any drops or liquid in your ear if you have a known hole in your eardrum or an active outer ear infection.
• Avoid Cotton Swabs/Q-Tips: Cotton swabs are commonly used as a quick fix for removing earwax, in reality they can push the wax much deeper into the ear canal, leading to the earwax becoming a plug or causing physical injury to the ear canal and eardrum.
• Don’t Use Sharp Objects: Never insert sharp objects such as hairpins, tweezers, or sharp-pointed tools into your ear canal. Doing so can cause serious injury, including perforation of the eardrum. The rule of thumb is nothing smaller than your elbow should ever go in your ear. You may be thinking “How do I fit my elbow in my ear?” You can’t! So ultimately nothing should ever go in your ear canal that is not recommended to you by a trusted health care provider.
• Don’t Overdo It: While it’s essential to maintain ear hygiene by wiping down our ears with a warm cloth regularly, excessive cleaning can disrupt healthy earwax production and lead to irritation of the ear canal.
• Consult a Professional: If you have a history of ear problems, a perforated eardrum, or if you’re unsure about the safest method for removing earwax, consult a trusted healthcare professional for guidance.

Removing earwax safely is important for maintaining good ear health and preventing hearing loss or injury to the ear canal. Remember to exercise caution, read and follow instructions carefully, and use gentle techniques to protect your ears.

Alexandra Carmichael is an audiologist at Audiology Consultants, P.C. For more information, visit audiologyconsultants.com. Stores are located in Davenport, IA, Muscatine, IA, Moline, IL, and Geneseo, IL.