Is muffled hearing or that uncomfortable, plugged-up feeling disrupting your life? While earwax serves a necessary purpose, excessive build-up requires safe and effective management. Forget risky home remedies; this article explores the most effective methods of earwax removal, guiding you through safe at-home techniques and clarifying when professional intervention is essential.
Introduction
Earwax – that sticky, waxy substance that everyone has but no one (except those in the ear care profession) really like to talk about, actually plays a really vital role in keeping our ears healthy, as its antibacterial properties offer another layer of protection against infection. So, a little earwax is actually a good thing. But when earwax builds up, causing discomfort, muffled hearing or even pain, we understandably want to find a solution, and fast!
So what are the best and easiest ways to remove earwax from inside the ear canal and how can we safely and effectively clear our ears without causing damage?
In this article, we’ll explore the best and safest methods for earwax removal, separating fact from fiction and helping you keep your ears clean, safe and healthy.
Understanding Earwax and Its Role
The body naturally produces earwax which lubricates the ear canal, preventing it from becoming dry and itchy and is designed to naturally move outward from the ear canal, carrying any debris such as dust or dry skin along with it. Interestingly, the actions of chewing, talking and other jaw movements help with this process and eventually the earwax dries up and flakes away, naturally falling out of the ear.
Signs of Excessive Earwax Build-up
So, how do we spot excessive earwax build-up? An earwax blockage can manifest in several ways and often impacts our hearing, and may even cause pain or discomfort. Common signs include a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, reduced or muffled hearing, earaches or even ringing in the ears (known as tinnitus), Some people also experience itching in the ear or dizziness.
While a small amount of earwax is beneficial for our ears, excessive build-up can block the ear canal, preventing sound waves from reaching the eardrum and leading to hearing difficulties. An earwax blockage can also trap bacteria, increasing the risk of ear infections, and discomfort. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to get your ears checked out by an ear care practitioner. If your symptoms are linked to excessive earwax, then it’s time to consider booking an appointment for earwax removal.
Safe and Easy Methods to Remove Earwax at Home
There are a number of popular earwax removal methods such as ear drops and warm water irrigation, which can be effective for a mild blockage or for those who are able to tolerate water treatment methods. Other available options however, such as earwax removal tools (or even cotton buds) are generally not recommended due to the associated risks.
The easiest way to remove earwax at home is by using over-the-counter ear drops to soften the wax, followed by gentle warm water irrigation (if safe to do). Avoid cotton swabs or tools that may push wax deeper. Seek professional help for severe blockages.
Ear Drops: Softening the Wax
Ear drops, often containing softening agents like cerumenolytics, which work by breaking down hardened earwax. This makes it easier for the wax to naturally drain or be gently irrigated.
There are lots of different ear drops available, including natural, oil-based options like olive or almond oil, water-based solutions such as sodium bicarbonate or non-water, non-oil-based products containing carbamide peroxide, so it’s important to choose the drops which are right for you. As always, if you’re not sure, it’s good to ask your local pharmacist or ear care professional for help and advice.
Warm Water Irrigation: Flushing it Out
Warm water irrigation, using a bulb syringe and sterile saline solution or warm water, can effectively flush out softened wax. However, there are risks associated with irrigation treatments, such as perforating the eardrum if the water is forced in with too much pressure or if there’s an existing weakness in the eardrum. If the earwax is very hard or impacted, irrigation can sometimes push it further into the ear canal, making the problem worse.
Home ear irrigation also requires careful preparation. Before attempting any irrigation, it’s essential to soften the earwax using ear drops, which can take up to ten days, depending on the severity of the wax build-up. While this may seem lengthy, it’s a critical step to minimise the risk of complications.
Due to the potential for complications, such as eardrum perforation or infection, it is strongly recommended that patients consult a healthcare professional before attempting ear irrigation, especially those with a history of ear problems.
The NHS and ear care professionals advise against attempting to remove earwax yourself if you have a perforated eardrum, a history of ear problems or have had ear surgery.
Although earwax removal tools seem like a quick, easy option, ear care specialists always advise against using any ear wax removal tools including cotton buds, ear candles or other implements as home treatments or remedies, as they can push wax further in to the ear, which can cause painful damage to the ear canal or eardrum and may also result in infection. Unfortunately the use of earwax removal tools can actually make the issue worse rather than better.
When to Seek Professional Help
While at-home methods can address mild earwax build-up, there are times when professional intervention really is necessary, so if you’re experiencing severe earwax blockage, persistent ear pain, hearing loss, dizziness or discharge, it’s definitely best to seek help from a qualified healthcare professional.
At Interhearing clinics, our ear care team provides safe and effective earwax removal procedures using specialised equipment and techniques. During a professional removal, you can expect a thorough examination of your ear canal, followed by gentle and precise removal of the wax via microsuction, which minimises discomfort and risk of complications. Addressing persistent or severe earwax issues promptly can also prevent further complications and ensure better hearing health, so why not make earwax removal part of your regular health routine?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people inadvertently worsen earwax problems by making common mistakes during at-home earwax removal. Using cotton buds, hairpins, fingernails or other sharp objects is a frequent error, as these items often push earwax deeper into the ear canal which can lead to deeper earwax impaction and potential eardrum damage. There is also the risk of objects breaking and becoming lodged inside the ear canal.
Earwax removal tools can also scratch the delicate ear canal lining, increasing the risk of infection, so ear care professionals always advise that you opt for safer, gentler approaches like ear drops, professional earwax removal via microsuction and seeking medical advice if the problem persists.
Conclusion and Summary
- Earwax is natural and protective, but excessive build-up causes problems.
- The easiest and safest at-home method is using softening ear drops.
- Avoid cotton swabs, sharp objects and be cautious with irrigation due to risks of impaction and eardrum damage.
- Seek professional help (like microsuction at Interhearing) for severe blockages, pain, or hearing issues.
- Professional earwax removal is always the safest option.
While at-home earwax softening with drops can be effective for mild cases of earwax build-up, it’s crucial to avoid risky practices because
We know that our hearing health plays a really important role in our social, physical and emotional wellbeing, so if you have concerns about your ear health or earwax management, don’t hesitate to seek help. Contacting a qualified Audiologist or healthcare professional for advice is an important first step towards better hearing health.
Helpful Links
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/earwax-build-up/
- https://interhearing.com/news/why-does-earwax-make-my-ear-hurt/
