What Are the Treatments for Ear Wax Build Up?

Small amounts of ear wax are healthy. Too much ear wax can cause ear infections and hearing loss. Some people produce more ear wax then others. Some people will experience ear wax build-ups often, while others will never experience one. Ear wax removal becomes necessary when wax gets impacted in your ear. The treatments for ear wax are simple and effective and can be done routinely or as needed.

Manual Removal

• Doctors, ear specialists, and nurses can remove ear wax manually. Many in the medical community, feel this is the best treatment for ear wax removal. A doctor can look into your ear and determine how severe the impaction is and what treatment option would be best. Manual removal should only be done by a doctor or other professional. The doctor will use a lighted examining scope and a wax removal spoon. This method may be the safest but it's also the most invasive. Manual removal can range from being slightly uncomfortable to extremely painful. If manual removal is just too painful, ask your doctor about trying a less invasive treatment.

Irrigation

• Syringing the ear is a standard wax removal procedure. This treatment can be done at home or by a professional. A bulb syringe in used to squirt warm water into the ear canal in order to "flush out" wax and is best done in the bath or shower. If the ear wax has hardened, syringing may be less effective. Putting two to three drops of mineral, baby or olive oil into your ear before flushing makes the syringing more effective. Syringing can cause dizziness or pain, and shouldn't be done if you have a perforated ear drum. Never attempt to use dental water piks or any other water pressure device to irrigate your ears; use only a small bulb syringe squeezed by hand.

Medication

• Ear wax removal drops help to loosen and soften hard wax, dissolve wax and dry out your ear to prevent infection. You can buy, make or have your doctor prescribe drops. Most over-the-counter ear wax drops contain water, oil and peroxide. You can use two to three drops of mineral, baby or olive oil at home to soften wax. Use two to three drops of peroxide to dissolve ear wax. Drops should not be used if you have a perforated ear drum. If you are unsure, consult a doctor before putting anything in your ears.

Suction

• Doctors also use suction to remove ear wax. A specially designed suction device is placed into your ear and the doctor guides the suction to remove ear wax. Many patients find suction to be the most comfortable method for ear wax removal.

  Ear candling or coning is an ancient holistic practice that uses suction to remove ear wax. A special ear cone is placed inside the ear and the opposite end is set on fire. The heat produces suction as the cone burns. The cone must be taken out before the heat reaches your skin. Coning should only be done by a holistic professional. According to the Mayo Clinic, research shows that ear coning doesn't work and can result in injury.

Warning

• Cotton swabs can cause wax build up or make it worse. Putting anything in your ear to attempt to pick out wax is not recommended. You run the risk of breaking your ear drum or jamming wax deeper into your ear. If you feel like you just can't live without cotton swabs, then limit yourself to using them once a week. Use a cotton ball instead to dry the external portion of your ears. If you experience any symptoms of ear wax build up---fullness in the ear, pain, itching or loss of hearing---consult a physician before trying any home treatment.