Earwax Removal the Safe Way

Author:
Michelle Simtoco
Updated:
Apr 15, 2022 4:07 PM EDT

How Do You Remove Earwax Safely?

Ear wax removal seems to be such a trivial topic, and is often dismissed as something ordinary. For some people that may be the case, but for others, it would be surprising to note that they may be unaware of the unsafe practices they have been employing for the longest time. As for ear wax itself, what do we really know about it? Instead of lecturing about ear wax and how to remove our ear wax safely, why don’t we have a test instead? You love tests, right?

Before you put anything in your ear, make sure you read through the entire article first. Try to see how many of these ear-boggling questions you can answer correctly.

You know you are having excessive ear wax problems when you experience the following symptoms:

There are noises in your ear which are downright uncomfortable
You have an earache that is persistent
Your eyesight is blurred
Uh-oh, dreaded hearing loss which seems to be getting worse
Feels like something is stuck or plugged up inside your ear

If you pick all of the numbers above except number three, your symptoms most likely indicate an ear wax problem. The only time we need to remove ear wax is when there is an excessive amount of it found in our ears. Too much ear wax can contribute to the slow, progressive loss of hearing.

Ear Wax True or False

All of the statements below are true except for one. Which statement is false?

Ear wax is also known as cerumen.
In healthy amounts, ear wax acts as a temporary water repellent.
Most of the time, ear canals are self-cleaning where old ear wax is transported from the ear canal to the ear opening where it dries, flakes, and falls out.
Ear wax is formed in the deep part of the ear canal near the eardrum.
Ear wax helps maintain a certain pH balance in your ear, thus preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi.

All statements are true except for number four. Earwax is not formed in the deep part of the ear canal near the eardrum, but in the outer part of the canal. The skin of the outer part of the canal has glands that produce our ear wax! What an amazing thing! The function of this wax is to trap dust and dirt so it won’t reach our highly sensitive eardrums.

Ear Cleaning True or False

Ear canals are normally self-cleaning as we mentioned earlier. In some cases, we do get bothered by an excessive amount of ear wax. So, what is the best way to remove our ear wax safely?

Clean the ear canal with the use of cotton swabs.
Soften the wax by placing a few drops of mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or commercial drops in the ear. Repeat this for about a week.
The use of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide and flushing it out with water.
Wash the external ear with a cloth but do not insert anything into the ear canal.

All answers are correct except for number one. Cotton swabs (or any other pointed objects like pencils, cotton-tipped applicators, bobby pins, or toothpicks) should never be used to clean ear wax in the ear canal. Doing this will merely push the wax deeper into the ear canal and may block the eardrum.

I normally would use number two, which is to soften the wax by placing a few drops of baby oil; this normally works magically. Thankfully, the only time I needed to do this was when I was still a child.

If you use hydrogen peroxide or H202, you will notice the oxygen bubbling off and that there will be some water left behind in the ear. This wet and warm condition of your ear canal is not ideal since it can breed bacteria. Make sure to flush the ear canal with rubbing alcohol to displace the water and dry the canal skin.

Warning: If alcohol causes severe pain, this is an indication that there might be an eardrum perforation.

Never Hesitate to Consult a Doctor

Listen to your body when it speaks to you. If you feel that these home remedies will not help your ear wax problem, go visit your doctor right away! The otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) may prescribe eardrops designed to soften the wax or remove the wax using microscopic visualization.

If you feel that you might have a hole in your eardrum, be sure to consult your physician before trying these home treatments. Putting any solution like ear drops or other products including water in your ear with the possibility of an eardrum perforation may cause a serious infection.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Comments

enoch jemitala on October 17, 2018:

I would like to thank you for your

advice.May the good lord bless you.

krystal on April 02, 2012:

Just tried this, oil in the ear and a squirt of warm water with a bulb and I can hear again! Thank you!

Ann on February 18, 2012:

WOW. I didn't know that about cleaning excess ear wax. I've been using q-tips since I was small and still use them. I'm going to stop after reading this page.

I'm gonna do some more research and update my site http://eardiagram.org

Thanks ripplemaker

Michelle Simtoco (author) from Cebu, Philippines on January 30, 2012:

I would suggest you visit an ENT doctor. Thanks!

fatinuyu on January 30, 2012:

hey , can i use the steel q tip to slowly workout my blockage , i accidently push my earwax more into the ear . i scared tht i might loss my hearing D:

Shayne8173 on January 10, 2012:

Salamat!!! Ripplemaker.. Gb :)

Michelle Simtoco (author) from Cebu, Philippines on November 14, 2011:

Thank you cb, your sharing is extremely helpful! I appreciate it very much!

cb61998a on November 13, 2011:

I do not know or remember how I came across this article but I wanted to comment on it & hopefully leave some information that will be helpful to others...

It is OK to put Alcohol in the Ear. JUST DO NOT PUT ALCOHOL INTO THE EAR IF YOU HAVE OR SUSPECT THAT YOU HAVE A PERFORATION(TEAR OR HOLE)IN YOUR EAR...ALCOHOL WILL THEN BE VERY PAINFUL... Alcohol is actually the primary ingredient in (OTC) many Over The Counter Swimmer's Ear Drops, which are sold to aid, in the prevention of Swimmer's Ear. Alcohol dries excess water that remains in the ear or that has become trapped or left behind (which is the cause of Swimmer's Ear). From the time I was a young Child into my early Teens, I suffered from Swimmer's Ear...(Very Painful..I have suffered with a ruptured Eardrum as an adult & it was not as painful as Swimmer's Ear)..Since that incident, I no longer put Q-tips into my ears..Which I also had to "fish" for the lost cotton tips (from Q-tips) out of my ears. Since the ruptured eardrum, that was the Final Straw for me, no more Q-tips, etc. in my Ear(s).

Hope this helps to answer questions (or clear up any confusion) regarding alcohol in the ears..

Michelle Simtoco (author) from Cebu, Philippines on October 26, 2011:

Shayne: Sorry for the late reply-- went out of town on a team building workshop.

Regarding your question to the flushing....there is an indication when you need to use it. I will place it here. "But if you use hydrogen peroxide or H202 you would notice oxygen bubbling off and water left behind in the ear. This wet and warm condition of your ear canal is not ideal since it would breed bacteria. Make sure to flush the ear canal with rubbing alcohol to displace the water and dry the canal skin."

So if your problem is removing earwax, using alcohol is not the answer. It is also stated here: "Soften the wax by placing a few drops of mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin or commercial drops in the ear."

After softening it, don't use a cotton bud as you might push it in instead. If you are scared to remove the earwax by yourself, do visit an ENT. This is the best way to deal with your problem as the doctor can remove it and you won't have to fear causing damage to the eardrum.

I hope this works for you. :) Blessings.

Shayne8173 on October 26, 2011:

If it's not safe then why it says "Make sure to flush the ear canal with rubbing alcohol to displace the water and dry the canal skin."? How bout oil is it safe to put inside in the ear canal? Pls. I need some answer..

Shayne8173 on October 21, 2011:

Then why it say's "Make sure to flush the ear canal with rubbing alcohol to displace the water and dry the canal skin."? I really want to clean my daughters ear coz i can see big ear wax stuck inside her ear canal but i'm scared.. Btw, where you in cebu? I'm from cebu too.. :)

Fierce Manson from Atlanta on October 20, 2011:

My mom who has trouble with ear wax build up for the past few years always has to visit the ENT doc for a cleaning. My mom told me about the peroxide and water for flushing out my ears.

Michelle Simtoco (author) from Cebu, Philippines on October 20, 2011:

No it is not safe to put alcohol inside the ear canal.

water damage humble tx on October 19, 2011:

I was also wondering about the alcohol- has anyone answered that yet?

Shayne8173 on October 16, 2011:

Is it safe to use alcohol inside the ear canal?

Savitree on October 05, 2011:

Vital info. i used cotton swabs to clean my daughter's ear for wax built up.

thank you

Camille Olivia Strate from Planet Earth on July 08, 2011:

What a tremendously helpful article. You have no idea how timely this was (is) for me. My thanks!

myi4u from United Kingdom on June 01, 2011:

OMG, I actually use cotton swabs! I have the thought that I might pushed the ear wax deeper. Normally, I would just ask my wife to use a small steel spoon for ear eax removal but sometimes, I use cotton swabs for quick fix of itchiness. After reading this hub, I think I will refrain from using cotton swabs from now on. Thanks!

LittleFairy on May 20, 2011:

I just cleaned my ear with a cotton swab some days ago, and you are right, it pushed the wax further down. I will try your tips now. Thanks a lot for sharing!

capncrunch from New Orleans on April 27, 2011:

Hello ripplemaker,

I quit trying to put my elbow in my ear years ago. Very useful Hub!!! I injured my ear at the beginning of the year while swimming. I got water inside and tried placing my hand against my ear to use as suction. Bad mistake! Thankfully, I am ok now but injuries like those can be permanent! Thank you for writing!!

chamilj from Sri Lanka on April 12, 2011:

Very useful tips and advices for Earwax removal. Actually I never knew that we can use baby oil for this. Thanks ripplemaker! Voted up!

Alfreta Sailor from Southern California on April 12, 2011:

I just happened upon this hub, and thought, "how interesting." However, now I say how useful, especially methods for removing earwax that I've never heard of, i.e. using mineral oil, or peroxide. Very useful hub, ergo I voted it up/useful, also I liked it to my Facebook friends.

Michelle Simtoco (author) from Cebu, Philippines on January 18, 2011:

Oh gee, glad your ears are okay now. Thanks for sharing as this reinforces the concept of being careful in using Q-tips. Thanks :)

BioMedGirl from Corpus Christi, Tx on January 17, 2011:

It's funny that I stumbled across this hub as I recently had to go to the doctor to get the end of a Q-tip removed from my ear that came off during a routine (or so I thought) cleaning. I still have a problem with irritating wax but I learned my lesson on Q-tips. I'll have to give some of these tips a try! Thanks!

Ironracer from St. Louis, MO on October 24, 2010:

Nice info. I actually clean my ears everyday with a q-tip. Kind of a habit, and, apparently, a bad one! Cheers.

jennyjenny from Somewhere in Michigan on October 12, 2010:

Great Hub! Very Informative! Just had a visit with the ENT myself, crazy stuff! Thanks for sharing. :)

Mentalist acer from A Voice in your Mind! on August 15, 2010:

Thanks for the survival tips Ripplemaker;)

kims3003 on July 09, 2010:

Well done hub with great accurate information. A+!

writer83 from Cyber Space on December 12, 2009:

excellent hub. I always seem, to grab at the cotton buds. The kids hate me for it !

Healthyminds on November 22, 2009:

mmmm...valuable info and advice

thanks for the great hub

Michelle Simtoco (author) from Cebu, Philippines on November 21, 2009:

Hi Ben, thank you for dropping by and for your inspiring comment! :) Backmassager huh? Interesting...

Ben Zoltak from Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin USA on November 20, 2009:

"Listen to your body for it speaks to you." That is good advice and I listen as hard as I can! Sometimes I use a backmassager on my ear (yes I wrote an article on it!) I asked the doctor and he said it's ok to do that. Thanks for the article, I enjoy your matter of fact writing style ripplemaker!

Ben

Michelle Simtoco (author) from Cebu, Philippines on August 10, 2009:

Hi mrgonzalesleo: Thanks for dropping by. :-)

mrgonzalesleo on August 08, 2009:

This is very informative, thanks for the hub.

Michelle Simtoco (author) from Cebu, Philippines on August 05, 2009:

Hi Kim, glad you found this helpful. :-) Love and light..

Kim Garcia on August 04, 2009:

ripplemaker; Thank you for posting this Hub. Very informative. I sleep with earplugs ever night, and have done so for the past 12 years, as insomnia is something I'm overcoming. This procedure seems to push the earwax way back in the ear canal, so these tips are very helpful! Thank you! Peace n' Blessings~ Kim

Michelle Simtoco (author) from Cebu, Philippines on August 04, 2009:

Hi BP, I know what you mean by itchy. That would be time I would be wanting to use any sharp object to pull whatever is making the ears itch. LOL Oh boy, but I know that would be extremely harmful..

HI JP, u-oh hope the meds are working for him. :-)

Hi wjames, hahahaha yes that should work!

wjames773 from Salt Lake City, UT on August 03, 2009:

Excellent and informative hub, thank you! Now when my girlfriend says that I should be able to skick the Q-tip in one ear and pull it out the other, I can tell her that it's not safe or sanitary. Heh.

JPSO138 from Cebu, Philippines, International on August 02, 2009:

Great tips. My son actually has some problems with his earwax. It's usually hard and he is taking some medications to make it soft. I really appreciate this article. Up for this one!

blondepoet from australia on August 01, 2009:

Hi boy sometimes I wish I could rip my ears off. They get unbearably itchy and I go insane on them. Great topic anyway RM you rock (hugs)

Michelle Simtoco (author) from Cebu, Philippines on July 26, 2009:

Dolores: Yes that is dangerous! LOL

skgrao: Thanks for dropping by. :-)

Dolores Monet from East Coast, United States on July 22, 2009:

I remember, years ago, some of the old folks cleaned their ears out with bobby pins. How's that for dangerous.

S K G Rao. from Bangalore City - INDIA. on July 20, 2009:

Can I copy the Hub ( Ear Wax Removal )to my blog,this is Awesome.

My Blog url:

http://ganapathi-rao.blogspot.com

Michelle Simtoco (author) from Cebu, Philippines on July 17, 2009:

You are welcome nyfamily. :-) Thanks for dropping by.

Hi Blondepoet, ouchy ouch! Not one of those days again huh? lol

blondepoet from australia on July 17, 2009:

I needed to read this I push those buds way too deep and a few times the end has come off in my ear lol, and a friend had to tweezer it out ouch x0