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Guidelines for Cerumen Removal

Cerumen, more commonly known as ear wax, can be safely removed if it becomes impacted or builds up in the ear canal. There are guidelines that people with ear wax problems should follow when deciding on a removal method. Cerumen serves a function in the ear, so removal should only occur if it is affecting hearing or causing blockage.

  1. Doctor Removal

    • If cerumen is so built up in the ear canal that it is causing loss of hearing or infections--which can form behind the block--a doctor may be required to remove it. Anyone with ear irritation should see a doctor to find out if a home method is satisfactory or if a more professional procedure is necessary.

      A doctor will use a speculum to help him see inside the ear canal, then use an examining microscope to spot the impaction. He will use a cerumen spoon to remove the ear wax. With this method of removal, the patient will know for certain if the cerumen has been removed or not. The doctor may then provide ways of maintaining healthy levels of ear wax.

    Home Removal

    • Home ear wax removal requires over-the-counter eardrops and warm water in an eye-dropper. In place of ear drops, olive oil, baby oil or mineral oil will work just as well. The user should warm the eardrops or olive oil by holding the container in the palm of her hand for about three minutes. Once the liquid is warmed, she can apply several drops of the oil into the ear canal and massage the outer ear. This softens the cerumen. Let the oil drain out after three to five minutes. Repeat with the other ear if necessary. Treat the ear with oil for two to three days, then use warm water and an eye dropper to flush the ear out. Squirt water in the ear and let it run out.

    Warnings

    • Removing cerumen has its risks. If an eardrum is damaged or perforated, a person should never use liquid or drops of any kind in the ear. Using cotton swabs to remove wax is not always effective and they are dangerous if inserted into the ear too far. The swabs can push cerumen further into the ear, impacting it. They can also puncture the eardrum or insert bacteria into the ear canal causing infection. Alternative methods like ear "candling" and ear vacs have not proved to be effective in studies. Ear candling has the potential to burn the ear or deposit wax back into the ear.

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