Everyone has earwax. And though you may be obsessed with removing the sticky brown goop from your ear, earwax is actually an important tool for protecting the ear against damage and infections.
“Earwax, or cerumen, is a protective substance that is produced by glands in the outer third of the ear canal,” says Avani Ingley, M.D., an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat physician) at Piedmont. “Earwax acts as a filter between the ear and the outside environment, trapping dust, dirt and other particles so they cannot go deeper into the ear canal. Earwax also serves to moisturize the skin of the ear canal and has properties that fight infection.”
What happens when too much wax builds up in the ear?
Typically, earwax finds its way out of the ear canal naturally. It can either fall out or wash away during normal activities. But in some cases, earwax can completely fill the ear canal, which is called a cerumen impaction.
“A cerumen impaction can cause muffled hearing and ear pressure or pain,” says Dr. Ingley. “In some cases, excess earwax can cause ringing or buzzing in the ears. This can occur in one or both of the ears.”
And if water becomes lodged deep into an earwax buildup, then otitis externa, or an outer ear infection can occur. This is also known as Swimmer’s ear.
How to treat an earwax buildup
Most of the time, ears are self-cleaning. But if you feel like you have excess earwax, Dr. Ingley recommends using over-the-counter wax removal kits, mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide to soften your earwax.
“If you have impacted earwax that does not resolve with these methods, then you should seek medical attention,” says Dr. Ingley. “In an ear, nose and throat (ENT)'s office, the physician will examine the ear canal and wax using a microscope. Earwax can then be removed using small instruments or suction. Some providers use irrigation as a method of wax removal.”
Tips to maintain healthy ears
Ears usually maintain themselves, but here are a few ways you can protect them from infection:
- Use a washcloth to wipe and clean the outside of your ears.
- Never put cotton swabs (Q-tip), hairpins or any small objects into your ears.
“A common mantra in the ENT world is, "Nothing smaller than your elbow should go in your ear," says Dr. Ingley. “These items can result in further impaction of earwax or injury to the ear canal or even the eardrum.”
- Use earplugs or earbuds judiciously. People who use earbuds or wear hearing aids are more likely to have an earwax buildup.
- Don’t use ear candling as a method to reduce earwax. It can be dangerous, and it can result in burns to the ear or face.
For more helpful, healthful tips, click here.
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FAQs
Just use a washcloth. You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax. Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit. Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, don't use ear candles to clean your ears.
How do I completely clean my ears? ›
Just use a washcloth. You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax. Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit. Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, don't use ear candles to clean your ears.
How to properly clean ears with Q tips? ›
Only clean after a shower, since the heat causes the wax to melt. Line up a fingernail at the point where the cotton meets the Q-tip stick — this will be your safeguard to make sure you don't go too deep. Gently wipe inside your ear. Try not to obsess over whether there's any earwax left.
How to unblock ears full of wax? ›
If your doctor recommends that you try to remove earwax at home: Soften and loosen the earwax with warm mineral oil. 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.
How to properly clean behind your ears? ›
Wash behind the ears during every bath or shower. People with sensitive skin or eczema should use sensitive skin soap, which is available online. Wipe the area behind the ears with a warm, wet washcloth after intense physical activity. Keep ear piercings clean.
How do you remove all ear wax from your ear? ›
If ear cleaning drops don't work, the ears might need flushing with a bulb syringe, which are available at drug stores or grocery stores. You'll want to fill the syringe with warm water, place it near your ear opening, and carefully squeeze the bulb. The warm water will flood your ear and break up the wax.
How to get something deep out of your ear? ›
By placing the affected ear down and gently wiggling the ear pinna, you may be able to shift the object enough to cause it to fall out. If an object becomes lodged in the ear and this technique fails, it is usually best to have it removed by a doctor who can view the object with proper lighting and instruments.
How to syringe out ear wax? ›
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.
Is removing ear wax good? ›
Some people under a doctor's care may require regular cleanings, but this is not the case for everyone. More damage can be created by trying to clean or remove ear wax versus just leaving it alone. “The skin in the ear is very thin and even slight trauma from such a device can cause injury,” Brant noted.
How to wash ears in a shower? ›
You can use warm water in the shower to do this. Tilt your head to one side and run some water in your ear canal, then tilt in the opposite direction so the water flows out. Avoid getting too close to the shower head – you don't want water to spray into your ear.
Step 1: Always wash thoroughly with alcohol or soap and water before and after using, especially if multiple people are using these tools. Step 2: Slowly insert the scoop ear wax remover into your ear canal. Step 3: Gently scoop your ear canal wall to loosen the ear wax clinging on the wall.
How do you get rid of earwax in 30 seconds? ›
Soak a cotton ball with the hydrogen peroxide. Tilt your head and drip the peroxide into your ear. You may hear it fizz as it tries to dissolve the earwax. After about 30 seconds, drain your ear onto a washcloth.
Why did a big chunk of ear wax come out of my ear? ›
Chewing, talking and regular bathing is often enough to move earwax up and out of the ear. Usually, earwax gets rinsed away in the shower without you knowing it's happening. But it's possible – and totally normal – for earwax to come out in balls, clumps or lumps. The bigger problem is when earwax stays in your ears.
Why put Vaseline behind your ears? ›
Granted, itching is rarely a noteworthy issue — it's easy to rub or scratch the itch away. But if it becomes a nuisance, apply a bit of mineral oil or Vaseline to the affected area with a cotton swab. It can help rehydrate your skin and protect it from further irritation.
What is the grandmother method of cleaning? ›
The 'grandmother method' advises against using harsh loofahs or synthetic scrubbers and instead recommends exfoliating and cleaning with a soft washcloth or sponge. The 'grandmother method' involves cleaning areas by gentle scrubbing or wiping to remove dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells.
How do you clear a clogged ear? ›
Ear drops:
Ear drops alone will clear a plug of earwax in most cases. Put 2 or 3 drops of ordinary olive oil down the ear 2 or 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks. This softens the wax so that it then runs out of its own accord without harming the ear. You can continue for any length of time, but 3 weeks is usually enough.
What is the best natural way to clean your ears? ›
Baking soda solution: A baking soda solution can also help soften wax. You can make it on your own using 1 part sterile water and 1 part baking soda. Fill a small syringe with the solution and place 5 drops in your ear once a day.
What are the side effects of ear flushing? ›
Irrigation of the ear can lead to otitis externa, vertigo, perforation of the tympanic membrane, and middle ear damage if the tympanic membrane is perforated. These complications are less common with the syringe and IV catheter technique than with the pulsating water device technique.
