People who use hearing aids or ear plugs are more likely to have impacted wax. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Those who use cotton swabs or put other items in their ears are more likely to experience wax plugs. [4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Older people and those with developmental disabilities are more likely to have wax buildup. [5] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Some people have ear canals that are shaped in such a way that it is difficult for the body to naturally remove wax. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
You can purchase a special light (an otoscope) to look into the ear that is made for people who are not doctors for $10-$30 online or at some drug stores. A family member or friend can help you determine if you may have ear wax by using this tool. [7] X Research source
A feeling of fullness or sensation that the ear is plugged may accompany impacted cerumen. [9] X Research source You may also feel like your ears are itchy. [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Noises in the ear, called tinnitus, may be present with a wax plug. [11] X Research source You may experience partial hearing loss that gets worse with impacted wax. [12] X Research source You may have an earache or mild pain with cerumen plugs. [13] X Research source You may notice mild discharge that looks like wax from your ears with impacted cerumen. [14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You might notice a mild odor emanating from your ear. [15] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you have severe ear pain, a fever, or drainage that looks or smells like pus, you should see a doctor to make sure you don’t have an ear infection.
Use a soft cloth to wipe around the outside of your ear and on your outer ear canal. [17] X Research source If you like, you can wet the cloth slightly with warm water. [18] X Research source Wrap a paper tissue around your finger and gently wipe your outer ear and outer ear canal with the tissue. [19] X Research source
Most over the counter drops are oil and peroxide solutions. The hydrogen peroxide will not dissolve your wax, but help it move through the ear canal. Make sure to follow the package instructions for using the products to help ensure you don’t cause further problems. If you have an eardrum perforation or suspect that you may, do not use an over the counter preparation. You can purchase over the counter ear wax removal drops at most pharmacies and some large retailers.
You can use baby or mineral oils as a treatment. [21] X Research source Place a few drops of baby or mineral oil in each ear and let it sit for a few minutes before allow it to drain out. You may also try olive oil. [22] X Research source However, one study found that water was more effective at removing ear wax than olive oil. [23] X Research source There are no studies about how often its helpful to use oil or glycerin drops, but no more than a few times a week should be fine. [24] X Research source
You’ll need a medical syringe to use this method, which you can buy at most pharmacies. [26] X Research source Fill the syringe with body temperature water. Using cooler or warmer water may cause dizziness or vertigo. [27] X Research source Hold your head upright and gently pull the outside of your ear upward to straighten your ear canal. [28] X Research source Inject a small stream of water into your ear canal by where the wax plug is located. [29] X Research source Tilt your head to drain the water. [30] X Research source You may need to perform an irrigation several times in order to clear away the impaction. [31] X Research source One study showed that injecting a small amount of water or oil into your ear before irrigation may help remove the wax more quickly. Never use a water jet device designed for teeth to irrigate your ears. [32] X Research source
You can get ear wax suction devices at many pharmacies or large retailers.
You can use a few drops of rubbing alcohol to dry out your ear. [35] X Research source A hair dryer set to low can also help dry out your ear. [36] X Research source
Only clean your ears as often as you feel they require it. If you notice you need to clean your ears daily or excess discharge, see your doctor. [37] X Research source Using instruments such as cotton swabs or hair pins can force wax into your ear instead of removing it, and may cause infection or other problems. [38] X Research source Using instruments can also perforate your ear drum and lead to infection or hearing loss.
If candling is done without the supervision of a professional, it can burn your ear canal, and cause hearing loss or infection.
Your doctor may recommend professional treatments or options that you can use at home, including drops and irrigation. [40] X Research source
Your doctor will inject water or another medical solution, such as saline, into your ear and let it soften the wax. Once the water is drained, your doctor may check to see if the plug is gone or if it needs to be removed with an instrument such as a curette. [41] X Research source You may experience slight discomfort with irrigation.
Your doctor will insert the suction device into your ear canal to remove the wax. [43] X Research source She may check if the plug is gone once she’s suctioned and assess if you need a stronger or different method to remove your impaction. [44] X Research source Suction may cause minor discomfort or some bleeding.
A curette is a small, thin device that your doctor will insert into your ear canal to remove the blockage. [46] X Research source A cerumen spoon is a small device inserted into the ear canal that can scoop out blockages. Having wax removed with an instrument may cause discomfort and some bleeding.
To look at your ear with a microscope, the ENT specialist will place a metal speculum inside your ear canal and then shine the microscope light inside. The ENT specialist may continue to use the microscope to guide wax removal.
