If your ear suddenly feels full, muffled, or echoey—and your own voice sounds boomy—earwax may be the quiet culprit. The good news: most earwax problems are fixable with simple, safe steps. This guide walks you through what actually works, what to skip, and when to get expert help so you can hear clearly again without risking your ears.
First, a reframe: Earwax is your ear’s built‑in protection
Earwax (cerumen) isn’t dirt. It’s a smart mix of oils, sweat, and skin that traps dust, slows bacterial growth, and naturally migrates outward as you chew and talk. Most of the time, your ears clean themselves.
Problems start when wax builds up faster than it moves out—common with narrow ear canals, using earbuds or hearing aids, or after enthusiastic cotton‑swab use that pushes wax deeper.
Do you actually need to remove it?
Not all earwax needs treatment. Consider action if you notice:
- Fullness or pressure in one or both ears
- Muffled hearing or a “plugged” feeling that worsens after showering
- Autophony (your voice sounds louder/boomy)
- Itching or mild discomfort in the canal
- Whistling feedback from a hearing aid that wasn’t there before
Red flags—don’t self‑treat; contact an audiologist or ENT:
- Sudden or rapidly worsening hearing in one ear
- Severe pain, drainage (pus or blood), fever, or a bad odor
- History of eardrum perforation, ear surgery, or ear tubes
- Recent ear infection or swimmer’s ear
- Vertigo (spinning) or significant dizziness
How to check if earwax is the problem
A quick look by an audiologist, hearing care professional, or primary care clinician can confirm wax safely. Some clinics offer same‑day earwax checks. If you wear hearing aids, your provider can also inspect devices and wax guards, which commonly clog.
Safe at‑home options (evidence‑informed)
Two home strategies are supported by clinical guidelines: softening drops and gentle irrigation. Many people do best using both—soften first, then flush.
1) Softeners (ear drops)
Goal: break down or lubricate wax so it moves out more easily.
What to use:
- Carbamide peroxide 6.5% drops (common OTC “earwax removal” drops)
- Hydrogen peroxide 3% diluted 1:1 with water, a few drops
- Mineral oil, olive oil, or glycerin (emollients help lubricate)
- Sodium bicarbonate or saline drops (less common but effective for some)
How to apply:
- Warm the bottle in your hand (body temperature reduces dizziness).
- Lie on your side. Pull the ear gently up and back to straighten the canal.
- Place 5–10 drops. Stay on your side 5–10 minutes.
- Place a cotton ball at the outer ear (not in the canal) to catch drips.
How often: 1–2 times daily for up to 3–5 days, unless the product label suggests otherwise.
When to avoid drops: If you have a known or suspected eardrum hole, ear tubes, recent ear surgery, active ear infection, or uncontrolled eczema in the canal—see a professional instead.
2) Gentle irrigation (after softening)
Goal: rinse loosened wax out. Use only if you have an intact eardrum and no history of ear surgery or tubes.
What to use:
- Bulb syringe or purpose‑made ear irrigation kit
- Body‑temperature clean water (lukewarm). Cold or hot water can cause dizziness.
How to irrigate safely:
- Soften first for 1–3 days unless advised otherwise.
- Stand in the shower or over a sink. Tilt your head and gently pull the ear up and back.
- Squeeze the bulb to send a gentle stream along the canal wall, not directly at the eardrum.
- Let water and wax drain out. Repeat several times.
- Dry the ear: tip your head, then use a hair dryer on low, cool or warm (not hot), held at arm’s length for 20–30 seconds.
Stop if you feel sharp pain, persistent dizziness, or see blood—then contact a clinician.
What not to do (seriously)
- No cotton swabs, bobby pins, or car keys. They push wax deeper and can scratch or perforate the eardrum.
- No ear candling. Studies show it doesn’t remove wax and can cause burns, blockage, or eardrum damage.
- No high‑pressure water jets or oral irrigators in the ear.
- No essential oils in the ear canal. They can irritate delicate skin.
When to see a professional
If home care doesn’t clear the blockage after 3–5 days, if you’re unsure about your eardrum, or if you’re in a higher‑risk group (see below), book an appointment. Audiologists and ENTs remove wax quickly and safely—and can address other causes of fullness if wax isn’t the issue.
Seek care promptly if you have diabetes, are on blood thinners, have immune compromise, severe ear canal eczema, or a history of ear surgery. Your risk of complications from self‑irrigation is higher.
What professionals do (and why it’s safer)
Clinics use specialized tools under direct visualization to remove wax without hurting the eardrum or canal skin. Options include:
- Manual removal (curettage): Using a tiny loop or forceps under a bright light or microscope to scoop wax.
- Microsuction: A thin suction tip under a microscope gently vacuums wax. Helpful for wet, sticky, or deep wax.
- Low‑pressure irrigation systems: Controlled flow and temperature to reduce dizziness and trauma risk.
Expect a quick exam of both ears, removal using one or a combination of techniques, and re‑checking the eardrum. If you wear hearing aids, your provider may replace wax guards, clean sound bores, and re‑test your hearing if needed.
How long it takes: 10–30 minutes for most people.
How it feels: Usually painless. You may hear loud sounds briefly during suction or irrigation. Let your clinician know if you’re uncomfortable—they can adjust technique.
Special situations
If you wear hearing aids or earbuds
- Wax buildup is more common. Devices can block natural wax migration.
- Change wax guards as recommended by your audiologist (often every 1–4 weeks).
- Clean earmolds and domes daily with a dry brush; avoid alcohol or water in device ports.
- Ask your audiologist about a wax management plan: routine checks every 3–6 months can prevent emergency blocks.
If you have a known or suspected eardrum perforation or ear tubes
- Avoid irrigation and peroxide drops.
- Professional removal (often microsuction) is safest.
Diabetes, anticoagulants, immune compromise, radiation therapy to the head/neck
- Higher risk of ear canal skin injury and infection with self‑irrigation.
- Prefer professional care and individualized advice.
Children and older adults
- Children: Narrow canals and movement make home removal tricky. A pediatric clinician can help quickly and safely.
- Older adults: Drier wax and curved canals are common. Softeners plus professional removal often work best.
Preventing future blockages
You don’t have to “deep clean” ears. Focus on gentle habits that support your ear’s self‑cleaning system.
- Hands off the canal: Wipe only the outer ear after showers.
- Proactive softening: 1–2 drops of mineral oil in each ear once weekly can help wax migrate in people who frequently block.
- Rinse and dry: If you swim often, consider acetic acid/alcohol drying drops (store‑bought “swimmer’s ear” formulations) after water exposure. Do not use if you have a perforated eardrum or tubes.
- Hearing aid hygiene: Replace wax guards, brush devices daily, and schedule routine cleanings.
- Earbud breaks: Give your ears time without in‑ear devices to reduce wax trapping.
Step‑by‑step: A safe 5‑day home plan
Use this if you have no red flags and no history of eardrum perforation, ear tubes, or ear surgery.
- Days 1–2: Soften. Use carbamide peroxide or mineral oil twice daily. Lie on your side for 5–10 minutes after each application.
- Day 3: Reassess. If hearing feels less blocked, continue drops. If still blocked, add gentle irrigation with body‑temperature water once or twice.
- Day 4: Repeat softening and irrigation if needed. Stop and seek care if you feel pain, persistent dizziness, or see blood.
- Day 5: If still blocked, book with an audiologist or ENT. Bring your hearing aids, if any.
Costs, coverage, and access
- Over‑the‑counter drops and a bulb syringe are inexpensive.
- Professional removal costs vary by clinic and insurance. Many audiology and ENT practices offer quick‑visit earwax services; some primary care offices do as well.
- Call ahead: Ask whether they use microsuction, irrigation, or both, and mention any ear surgery history or devices.
What to expect after wax removal
- Hearing often improves immediately. Sounds may feel bright or loud for a day as your brain readjusts.
- Minor canal irritation or itch is common. Avoid scratching. A few drops of mineral oil can soothe.
- If symptoms persist—ongoing fullness, tinnitus changes, imbalance—schedule a hearing evaluation. Wax may not have been the only factor.
Bottom line
Your ears are designed to self‑clean. When wax does get in the way, gentle softening and careful irrigation help many people—no cotton swabs or candles required. If there’s any doubt about your eardrum or you’ve tried home care without relief, an audiologist or ENT can solve the problem safely and fast. Don’t wait; clear hearing is worth the visit.
If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to a local audiology clinic. A quick look can save you days of guessing—and get you back to hearing comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hydrogen peroxide safe for earwax?
In many adults with an intact eardrum, low concentrations of peroxide can help soften wax. Use either carbamide peroxide drops (follow label directions) or dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide 1:1 with water. Avoid if you have a known or suspected eardrum perforation, ear tubes, recent ear surgery, or active ear infection. If you feel burning, severe pain, or dizziness, stop and contact a clinician.
Can ear candling remove wax?
No. Studies show ear candles do not create suction or remove earwax. They can cause burns, further blockages, and eardrum injury. Medical and hearing organizations advise against ear candling.
How often should I clean my ears?
Most people don’t need to clean inside the ear canal at all. Wipe only the outer ear after showering. If you tend to accumulate wax or wear hearing aids, consider a preventive plan with your audiologist—such as weekly mineral oil drops and routine ear checks every 3–6 months.
What if I feel dizzy after flushing my ear?
Brief lightheadedness can happen if the water is too cold or too hot. Stop, rest, and use body‑temperature water next time. If dizziness is strong, persists, or you develop pain, hearing changes, or ringing, contact an audiologist or ENT for assessment instead of continuing at home.
