Earwax Removal & Safety

Earwax buildup can cause sudden hearing loss, incredible ear fullness or pressure, a dull ear ache and itching inside your ear. A common indicator of earwax buildup is trouble hearing on the telephone. At first you might think it's the phone. Try switching to the other ear, and if the sound is clearer and louder you most likely have earwax buildup. The answer is not to start digging inside your ear trying to get earwax out; your ears are delicate and could be easily damaged. However, at-home earwax removal done safely and correctly can be very effective.

Safety

• You may suspect wax buildup, you may be 99 percent sure, but according to the Mayo Clinic, there's no way to know if you have excessive earwax without having your doctor look into your ears. When it comes to safe earwax removal, confirming that you have earwax buildup is a necessary first step.

  Don't stick anything into your ear in an attempt to pull out earwax. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, probing your ear with objects such as cotton swabs or bobby pins in an attempt to remove earwax only pushes earwax deeper into your ear.

  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises against the use of ear candles for removing earwax. Ear canals are different lengths, widths and shapes. Ear candles come with generic instructions to place a cone deep into your ear canal. Doing so could damage your ear drum.

  If you feel like your earwax blockage worsens after home treatment or you experience pain, dizziness or ringing in your ears while attempting home treatment, make an appointment to have a physician remove your earwax.

  If you have diabetes, are taking blood thinners, have a perforated ear drum, tubes in your ears, an active ear infection or liquid draining from your ear, don't attempt at-home earwax removal. Make an appointment with your physician.

Prior to Removal

• These steps should be done prior to an earwax removal physician appointment or before attempting home treatment for earwax removal. Earwax that has built up causing a blockage in your ear canal has become hard or sticky. To make it easier for the earwax to come out, soften or dissolve some of it first. You can purchase over-the-counter glycerin ear drops or make your own using warm water, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.

  For homemade drops mix either 1 cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda or 1/2 cup of warm water with 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Use a dropper to place two to three drops into your ear two to three times daily. Use for up to one week prior to earwax removal. Always use room temperature or body temperature drops. Cold drops will cause ear pain.

Removal

• The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends ear syringing or irrigation for removing earwax at home. The water pressure washes out wax debris from your ear canal safely and effectively. You can use a commercially available irrigation kit or a bulb syringe. If you don't have access to either, you can flush your ears out while taking a shower. Use warm, body temperature water when flushing out your ears. You can take a cup into the shower or bath and use it to fill your ear syringe or while in the shower allow the water to spray into your ear and then turn your ear down to drain the water out. Don't place the shower head directly to your ear. Ear syringes are designed to only release a safe amount of water pressure. Irrigate your ear once daily for up to one week.

Prevention

• By using drops for one day and then irrigating your ears once every four to six months, you can avoid earwax buildup. You can also have your ears professionally cleaned by your physician every six to 12 months.