Earwax Removal

Earwax plays an essential role in keeping your ears clean. It naturally clears out dirt and debris by gradually moving out of the ear canal on its own. However, there are times when earwax can become compacted against the eardrum or fully block the ear canal, leading to issues like tinnitus or a ringing sensation. In some cases, resolving hearing loss can be as simple as removing the excess earwax.

While it might be tempting to use a cotton swab to clear earwax, it’s best to avoid it. Cotton swabs can push earwax further in, making the problem worse. Instead, try using ear drops, available at most drugstores or supermarkets. These drops soften the wax, helping it naturally wash out during your next shower or bath.

Instructions To Soften Earwax for Removal:

1) Obtain appropriate earwax-softening drops. Olive oil, mineral oil, or over-the-counter drops are recommended. If the eardrum has a hole, special drops are required, and can be obtained through your physician by prescription only.

2) Administer 1-3 drops to affected ear(s), 1-3 times daily. Place a wad of cotton in the opening of the treated ear(s) to prevent leakage. Very hard wax will require treatment for many days. Behind-the-ear hearing aid wearers do not need to worry about the drops affecting the hearing aid, as the electronic component is behind the ear, rather than in it. *People who wear hearing aid(s) should ONLY administer the drop(s) RIGHT before going to bed. They SHOULD NOT put their hearing aid(s) back in their ear(s) until the morning, as the drops could damage the hearing aid.

3) Once wax is soft enough to be removed, it is recommended that the affected ear(s) be rinsed/syringed with water to wash out the wax. DO NOT attempt to remove the wax with any foreign object; including cotton swabs (Q-tips), bobby pins, etc… . To properly remove the wax at home, one can purchase at a drug store a home earwax-cleaning kit. Alternatively, they can attempt removal by allowing water to run in and out of their ear(s) while bathing or showering. One can also have their ear(s) syringed by a physician or nurse at their clinic.