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Best Method for Earwax Removal

Earwax is a natural product that protects the ear from water and infection. Too little earwax increases the possibility of infection, but too much also can cause infection as well as hearing loss. A doctor can give the best treatment for earwax removal, but it also is helpful to know the best products and home remedies available.

  1. Doctor's Treatment

    • The best method for earwax removal, according to the American Hearing Research Foundation, is by a doctor under direct vision. This method involves a doctor or other professional placing a metal speculum in the ear canal, then removing the wax with an instrument called a cerumen spoon, a soft suction device and forceps. The nonsurgical procedure is often done with an examining microscope for magnification. In some cases, this procedure requires a visit to an ear specialist.

      Earwax removal by a doctor increases the likelihood that all the impacted wax is removed, and that it is done safely.

    Over-the-Counter

    • An ear-drop solution is the best product for people with small to moderate earwax buildup, according to the AHRF. Over-the-counter products that help with earwax removal are mixtures of oil and peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide is not present to dissolve earwax, but rather is mechanical in moving the wax out of the ear canal.

      Ear drops are not recommended for people with an eardrum perforation. Enzyme-based ear drops are more likely to cause an allergic reaction, therefore, oil and peroxide solutions are the most effective products.

    Home Remedy

    • Water can be just as, or more, effective than over-the-counter earwax-removal drops. Using water to remove wax is often called irrigation or syringing. It involves putting water into the ear canal for two to three minutes to let the fluid break up and soften the wax, then using a syringe to remove the water and wax from the ear.

      This method can be dangerous if a person has a perforated eardrum because water and wax can move into the middle ear, causing infection.

      Some people use a water-pick device to spray water into the ear canal, but it has not proved more effective than slowly flooding the ear canal with water.

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