Earwax build-up (2024)

FAQs

What happens if you let earwax build up? ›

If left untreated, excessive earwax may cause earwax impaction symptoms to worsen. These symptoms might include hearing loss, ear irritation, tinnitus and other issues. A buildup of earwax might also make it difficult to see into your ear, which may result in potential issues going undiagnosed.

If the aim is to completely break down the wax, waxsol, peroxide 3% or a sodium bicarbonate solution (which can be prepared by your local pharmacist) is effective.

You also can try hydrogen peroxide mixed with an equal amount of room temperature water. Place 2 drops of the fluid, warmed to body temperature, in the ear two times a day for up to 5 days. Once the wax is loose and soft, all that is usually needed to remove it from the ear canal is a gentle, warm shower.

A build-up of earwax in your ear can cause: earache. hearing loss. tinnitus (hearing sounds from inside your body)

Over about 2 weeks, lumps of earwax should fall out of your ear and your symptoms should improve. There's no evidence that ear candles or ear vacuums get rid of earwax.

Never attempt to dig out excessive or hardened earwax with available items, such as a paper clip, a cotton swab or a hairpin. You may push the wax farther into your ear and cause serious damage to the lining of your ear canal or eardrum.

People should not poke anything into the ear to remove earwax, but gently dripping hydrogen peroxide, ear drops, or baby oil into the ear will soften the wax, which may cause it to come out. Earwax, also called cerumen, serves an essential function in the body.

Hold the nozzle inside the ear canal (not too deeply) and gently squirt the water from the bulb syringe into the ear. You can gently squirt more water into the ear if needed. Leave the water in your ear for 1-3 minutes to soften the wax. Tilt your head over the sink so the water can fall out.

While your body naturally gets rid of earwax, it can only handle so much. If there's too much, some of it may harden before your body is able to push it out through the ear canal. This extra wax can build up over time, causing impacted earwax.

Certain situations — like air travel, allergies, and head colds — can cause pressure to build up in the ear. Usually this doesn't last more than a few days. Longer-lasting eustachian tube problems can cause hearing and balance issues, as well as ear infections.

Does earwax buildup go away naturally? ›

Earwax blockage that has no symptoms can sometimes clear on its own. However, if you have signs and symptoms of earwax blockage, talk to your health care provider. Signs and symptoms may signal another condition.

When too much earwax builds up (gets impacted), it can cause symptoms such as temporary hearing loss. It is more common in older adults. Certain health conditions make it more likely to have impacted earwax. You might need special drops to help remove your earwax.

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, as long as the ears are functioning properly, people should not be trying to remove ear wax, and should leave it alone. For the vast majority, ear wax does not cause any problems and there isn't a need to remove it.