At least once a week I have a patient come in to tell me that their hearing has suddenly gotten worse in at least one of their ears and/or they have pain and pressure in an ear. After looking into their ear, I soon discover a deep clump of wax is completely blocking their ear canal. Most will admit that they were using a Q-tip when the decrease in hearing occurred and we then spend significant time trying to remove the wax from their ears. This can almost always be avoided by some simple cerumen (aka wax) removal tips.
There is a common misconception that Q-tips are the best method to clean your ears. Unfortunately, though it may seem that you are getting wax out of your ear, the Q-tip actually pushes most of the wax deeper into your ear canal, slowly building an accumulation of wax that eventually closes off the opening of the ear. Oftentimes, it can be painful to remove the wax since it has been pushed deep into the most sensitive portion of the ear canal, close to the ear drum. In worst case scenarios, the Q-tip can puncture the ear drum and cause permanent damage to the structures of the middle ear. If you actually look at a box of Q-tips, the packaging has a very clear warning instructing users not to insert swab into ear canal. It does not matter if it is name brand or off brand Q-tips; neither is safe for the ear. So, the moral of this story is, save the Q-tips for your arts and crafts projects!
We recommend using an over the counter wax removal kit, such as Debrox, or a method using hydrogen peroxide. An important disclaimer: if you suspect that you have a perforation (hole) in your ear drum, you should never use any type of wax removal solution in your ear, including hydrogen peroxide. Instead, consult an ear, nose and throat physician for assistance with wax removal.
Below are the steps we recommend to clean your ears with hydrogen peroxide:
- Pull your hair back and cover with a towel or use petroleum jelly to the hair strands around the ear to prevent discoloration.
- Lie on your left side with your head level and right ear parallel to the ceiling to allow the hydrogen peroxide to penetrate deeper and prevent drainage from coming out of the ear.
- Using the cap as a measuring tool and pour 1 capful of hydrogen peroxide into your right ear. You will hear fizzing/popping sounds and possibly feel an itch inside your ear. This is an indication that the hydrogen peroxide is activating and breaking down wax buildup.
- Leave hydrogen peroxide in the right ear for 10 minutes while continuing to lay on your left side. This is a great time to watch TV or scroll social media on your phone.
- After 10 minutes, sit up and tilt your head to the right side to drain the hydrogen peroxide from your ear. You may want to use a bowl or towel under your ear to absorb the drainage.
- Then place old towel under your right ear and lay on your right side. Repeat hydrogen peroxide steps 2-5 in the left ear.
Written by McKenna Bellamy, Au.D., CCC-A
FAQs
Q-tips can push wax further into the ear canal, which can cause impaction, discomfort, or a rupture in the ear drum. If the wax gets pushed too far into the ear canal, it could require surgical intervention. If left untreated, long-term complications can even lead to infections or hearing loss.
What is the alternative to Q-tips for cleaning ears? ›
If you feel like you need to scratch that itch when it comes to feeling clean, here are some alternative options:
- Tissue Twirls. ...
- A Warm Cloth. ...
- Visit your doctor. ...
- Using a cotton swab, or any other sharp tool. ...
- Ear Candling.
Trouble hearing after cleaning ears with Q-tips
All this extra earwax is why some people can't hear after cleaning their ears with a Q-tip. I see a lot of people who complain about hearing problems.
What are Q-tips supposed to be used for? ›
Q-tips® Original Cotton Swabs are your trusty sidekicks for all of life's little problems. From cleaning tiny grooves to perfecting your polish, we've got you covered. Available in 170, 375, 500, 625, 750, 1000, 1750 and 1875 counts.
How do you unclog your ears? ›
If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.
Do ear doctors recommend Q-tips? ›
Experts recommend you avoid the use of cotton swabs in your ears. The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery explains that the use of cotton-tipped swabs or other home instruments pose a serious risk of damage to the eardrum and ear bones.
How do you unclog your ears without Q-tips? ›
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Soften the wax. Use an eyedropper to apply a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, glycerin or hydrogen peroxide in your ear canal.
- Use warm water. After a day or two, when the wax is softened, use a rubber-bulb syringe to gently squirt warm water into your ear canal. ...
- Dry your ear canal.
Earwax removal tips
Instead, soak a cotton ball and drip a few drops of plain water, a simple saline solution, or hydrogen peroxide into the ear with your head tilted so the opening of the ear is pointing up. Keep it in that position for a minute to allow gravity to pull the fluid down through the wax.
Are ear drops better than Q-tips? ›
Hydrogen peroxide is more effective, but ear drops are even safer. TikTokers are cleaning their ears with hydrogen peroxide after a woman's earwax hack went viral. Doctors said the method is safe as long as you use a low concentration.
Why do my ears feel clogged and muffled after Q-tips? ›
Cleaning inside your ear canal, especially with cotton swabs, can push wax deeper into the ear. That can cause a wax buildup (cerumen impaction) that can make it hard for you to hear with the affected ear. Other things can cause earwax buildup as well.
If a sharp object, like a Q-tip, is put too far into the ear canal it can cause a rupture. Middle ear infections can lead to ruptures. The hole can also be a result of a weakened area of the eardrum from a cholesteatoma, or a skin cyst of the ear.
What kind of ear drops for clogged ears? ›
Medicated ear drops may also be recommended to help soften the wax, such as carbamide peroxide (Debrox Earwax Removal Kit, Murine Ear Wax Removal System). Because these drops can irritate the delicate skin of the eardrum and ear canal, use them only as directed.
How often should I clean my ears? ›
Frequent washing, however, can do more harm than good because it strips the ear of this delicate, protective lining, leaving the way open for bacteria to get in and multiply. Experts, recommend that you only clean your ears every two to four weeks.
How to get water out of your ears? ›
Some strategies for removing water from your ears include:
- Gently pulling on your earlobe while you tip your head to one side until you feel the water drain out.
- Moving your jaw by yawning or chewing gum, again with your head tipped to one side.
- Lying on your side for a few minutes with your ear resting on a towel.
Cotton buds can damage the inner ear
It's not just by pushing wax down into the ear that cotton buds can cause harm. Although they may seem soft to the touch of your fingers, in a sensitive space such as the ear they have a lot of potential for damage.
How can I safely clean my ears? ›
Earwax removal tips
Instead, soak a cotton ball and drip a few drops of plain water, a simple saline solution, or hydrogen peroxide into the ear with your head tilted so the opening of the ear is pointing up. Keep it in that position for a minute to allow gravity to pull the fluid down through the wax.
What to use instead of cotton buds for ears? ›
Like cotton buds (but much safer!) the most recommended cleaning method for your ears is to use tissue twirls. All you need to do is twist or 'twirl' a piece of tissue, dip it in water, and wipe around the outside of the ear canal.
Is it bad to clean your ears everyday? ›
You don't want to clean your ears too often. Doing so may irritate your ear canal or even lead to more impaction if done incorrectly. Experts share that people may not need to clean their ears unless they develop issues like blockages regularly. Instead, your ears clean themselves on their own.
What happens if you accidentally hit your eardrum with an AQ tip? ›
Trauma from exposure of the ear to a loud blast, or a slap to the ear with a cupped hand, and rapid changes in pressure can result in a hole in the eardrum. If a sharp object, like a Q-tip, is put too far into the ear canal it can cause a rupture. Middle ear infections can lead to ruptures.
