Earwax Buildup and Safe Removal

Earwax, also called cerumen, plays a key role in keeping the ears clean and protected. It traps dirt, slows bacterial growth, and keeps the ear canal moist. Normally, earwax moves to the outer ear naturally and falls out. However, problems can arise when the wax becomes excessive or hardened.

Sometimes, people use cotton swabs or other objects to try to remove earwax, but this often pushes the wax deeper and can hurt the ear. When earwax is pushed too far into the ear canal, it may block the eardrum, leading to discomfort, hearing problems, or more serious issues.

Common Symptoms of Earwax Buildup

Most earwax blockages cause mild but noticeable issues, such as:

Earache
Reduced hearing in the affected ear
A feeling of fullness or pressure
Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
Dizziness
Cough without another clear cause

Some people may also experience itching in the ear canal or feel as if water is trapped in the ear. It’s important to note that these symptoms don’t always mean you have wax buildup. They could be signs of other conditions, such as an ear infection or middle ear fluid, so professional evaluation is recommended.

What You Can Do at Home

For people without a perforated eardrum or other ear issues, home treatments may help soften and remove wax:

Use drops of baby oil, mineral oil, glycerin, or hydrogen peroxide to soften earwax. Tilt your head and use a dropper to place a few drops into the ear canal.
After a day or two, gently rinse the ear with warm water using a rubber bulb syringe. Pull your outer ear back to straighten the canal while squirting.
Let the water drain out and gently dry the outer ear with a towel or hand-held dryer on a low setting.

Avoid using cold water, as it may cause dizziness. You may need to repeat this process over several days for full relief. However, if symptoms persist, stop home treatment and consult a healthcare provider.

When to Avoid Home Remedies

Do not attempt earwax removal at home if you have:

A history of ear surgery
A hole (perforation) in your eardrum
Ear drainage or bleeding
Ongoing ear pain or fever

In these cases, attempting to clean the ear at home can worsen the condition or cause serious harm.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a healthcare provider if:

Symptoms persist after home care.
You’re unsure whether earwax is the cause of your discomfort.
You notice hearing loss or ringing that worsens.
You have ongoing earaches or drainage.

Your doctor may use tools like a curette, suction, or ear irrigation to safely remove earwax. In some cases, they may recommend prescription-strength drops to break down wax buildup.

Special Considerations for Children

Children’s ears are typically checked during regular medical exams. If earwax is causing discomfort or affecting hearing, a doctor can safely remove it during the visit. Never insert cotton swabs or other tools into a child’s ear canal, even if wax is visible.

Over-the-Counter Products

Several earwax removal kits are available at pharmacies. These often include carbamide peroxide-based drops that help soften wax for easy removal. Some kits may also include tools or syringes for flushing the ear, but they should be used cautiously.

Follow all instructions carefully, and stop use if pain or discomfort occurs. Natural alternatives, like a mix of vinegar and rubbing alcohol, may help prevent infection and break down wax, but consult your provider before trying these.

How to Prevent Buildup

While earwax is natural, you can reduce your risk of buildup by:

Avoiding the use of cotton swabs or other objects in the ear.
Keeping ears dry and clean, but not overly dry.
Using earplugs or hearing protection when exposed to dusty environments.
Asking your doctor about safe preventive cleaning if you’re prone to blockages.

Some people, especially older adults or those who use hearing aids, may develop earwax buildup more frequently and need regular monitoring. Earwax protects and cleans the ears, but buildup can cause discomfort or lead to hearing issues. Avoid trying to remove it with tools that may push it deeper or damage your ear canal. When in doubt, see a healthcare provider to determine the safest and most effective treatment.