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Ear-Cleaning Tools

You may have heard the saying that it's not safe to put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear. Objects such as cotton swabs and bobby pins only push earwax deeper into the ear canal. And since the ear canal is very delicate, it easily can be damaged. There are safe and effective self-care and professional methods to free excess wax from your ears.

  1. Softening Ear Wax

    • Inserting two or three drops of mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide or baby oil will help soften the wax in your ear. You should repeat the softening treatment twice a day for a period no longer than five days.

    Irrigating the Canal

    • Once your earwax has softened, you should lightly irrigate your ears with water. Lean your head and lift your outer ear up and back to flatten your ear canal. Use a rubber-bulb syringe to insert a few drops of water in each ear. Allow excess water to drain out of your ears by leaning your head to one side. You can then dry your ear canal with a towel or hair dryer.

    Possible Complications

    • It may take several treatments before excess wax is adequately softened and exits your ears. In some instances, the softening substances may only relax the outer layer of the wax; contact your doctor if symptoms persist.

    Ear Candling

    • A technique known as ear candling is sometimes used to remove wax. The treatment involves placing a lighted, hollow candle into the ear. The idea is that the flames will produce heat that constructs a vacuum seal, causing the earwax to stick to the candle. According to the Mayo Clinic, ear candling is not recommended to remove earwax because it may cause burns, ear-canal obstructions and other injuries.

    Earwax Removal Kits

    • There are a variety of effective earwax removal kits that can be purchased over the counter. These kits will provide detailed step-by-step instructions. In addition, your doctor can offer guidance on how to correctly use other earwax-removal techniques.

    Professional Exam

    • The only way to be certain you have excessive wax that needs removal is to have your doctor examine your ears. Pain in the ears or loss of hearing doesn't necessarily mean wax buildup is the culprit. Other medical conditions could be to blame for your symptoms.

    Profesional Removal

    • If your doctor finds excess wax in your ears, he can remove it with a tiny, curved tool called a curette. He may also use a water-spraying tool or water-filled rubber-bulb syringe. Sometimes wax is removed by using suction with the assistance of a microscope.

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