How to Remove Ear Wax Safely, and What to Avoid at Home

First, check whether the wax needs to come out

Ear wax is normal, and it helps protect your ears. The American Academy of Otolaryngology says wax that causes no symptoms and does not block the canal should be left alone. Cleaning too much can irritate the ear canal, cause infection and even make a blockage more likely.

A blockage usually shows up as decreased hearing, a full feeling, ringing in the ear or a change in how a hearing aid works. Those same symptoms can come from other problems. The academy says fluid behind the eardrum, an ear canal infection and sudden inner ear hearing loss can all feel like wax. If you are not sure wax is the cause, see a health care provider before you treat it yourself.

How to remove ear wax at home, and who should not try

MedlinePlus says most wax blockages can be treated at home, and it lists baby oil, glycerin, mineral oil and commercial ear drops as ways to soften wax. Carbamide peroxide drops, sold under names like Debrox, are a common choice. The American Academy of Family Physicians describes using five to 10 drops twice a day for up to seven days, and it advises against olive oil drops or sprays. Follow the directions on the package you buy.

MedlinePlus also describes rinsing with a syringe and body-temperature water, since cooler water can cause brief, severe dizziness. It says to ask your provider first, and to never use a jet irrigator made for cleaning teeth. Water can get behind a blockage you cannot see, and it can cause problems if you have a hole in your eardrum or a tube, so this is one to talk over before you try it. Jordan does not flush ears with water at our clinic.

Some people should get advice before trying any of this:

• Anyone with a hole in the eardrum or past ear surgery. Do not use drops or rinse the ear unless your ear, nose and throat doctor has cleared it.
• People with diabetes that is not well controlled, or a weakened immune system. The family physicians' academy says they have a higher risk of infection after wax removal, especially after rinsing.
• People who take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder. Bleeding in the ear canal is more likely, so a provider should know before any removal.

What to avoid putting in your ear

The academy's patient guidance on ear wax warns against cotton swabs, hairpins, car keys and toothpicks. Any of them can cut the ear canal, poke a hole in the eardrum or damage the small hearing bones. That can lead to hearing loss, dizziness and ringing. A swab also tends to push wax deeper while it clears only a little from the outer part of the canal.

Ear candles are on the same list. The academy says they do not remove ear wax and can seriously damage the ear canal and eardrum. To clean your ears day to day, MedlinePlus suggests a cloth or tissue wrapped around your finger, used only on the outer part of the ear.

When to have ear wax removed by a professional

It is time for an appointment in any of these situations:

• Your hearing is still muffled or your ear still feels blocked after using drops.
• You wear hearing aids and they have started to whistle, sound distorted or cut out.
• You have one of the health conditions above and would rather not try removal at home.
• Wax builds up again and again. MedlinePlus notes that an ear can become blocked again, and it says hearing aid users should have their ear canals checked for excess wax every 3 to 6 months.

What ear wax removal looks like at Mid Valley Hearing

Providers use a few accepted methods. They include drops, rinsing and removal with small instruments, and the family physicians' review found too little evidence to say that any one of them works best. At Mid Valley Hearing Technologies, Jordan Ortega uses a small curette and suction, with no water flushing.

He looks first with video otoscopy, so you can see your ear canal and eardrum on a screen. He removes the wax one ear at a time, then looks again to confirm the canal is clear. Both ears usually take about 15 to 30 minutes. The suction is loud, and you can tell him at any point if something feels uncomfortable. If he sees an inflamed canal, drainage or a hole in the eardrum, he stops and refers you to a physician.

Wearing hearing aids? Ear wax removal is included in both of our hearing aid care plans. If your hearing does not improve once the wax is out, a hearing test is the next step, and our guide to the early signs of hearing loss can help you decide.

If you are not sure how to remove ear wax safely with your health history, or you would like it done for you, call Mid Valley Hearing Technologies at (956) 576-3593 about ear wax removal in McAllen. Se habla español.