Lede: If your ear suddenly sounds like it's underwater, earwax may be the very human, very fixable reason. Your ears are self-cleaning by design—until they’re not. Here’s how to clear the way safely, what actually works, and when to call in a pro so you protect your hearing, not gamble with it.
Earwax 101: Your Ears’ Built‑In Bodyguard
Earwax (the fancy term is cerumen) is not dirt—it’s a protective, naturally antimicrobial mixture that traps dust, moisturizes skin, and helps keep the ear canal healthy. Most of the time, jaw motion (talking, chewing) slowly moves old wax outward like an airport moving walkway. You wipe the outer ear, and that’s it.
But sometimes that moving walkway breaks. The result: impacted wax that can temporarily reduce hearing, cause fullness, itch, or even trigger feedback in hearing aids. The good news? With a little know‑how, most blockages are fixable—safely.
When Wax Becomes a Problem
Earwax is likely the culprit if you notice:
- A sudden, muffled ear—often after a shower or swim
- Fullness, pressure, or a tickle deep in the ear
- Ringing (tinnitus) that eases after wax is removed
- Whistling or weak sound from a hearing aid
Red flags that deserve professional evaluation before you try anything:
- Severe pain, drainage, bleeding, fever, or dizziness
- A known or suspected eardrum perforation, ear tubes, or recent ear surgery
- A history of recurring ear infections (especially swimmer’s ear)
- One “bad” ear that doesn’t improve after simple home steps
If you’re unsure, a quick check with an audiologist or ENT can save you time and protect your ears.
At‑Home Options: What Usually Works (and How to Do It Safely)
Two steps help most people: soften the wax, then gently rinse it out. Think “spa day,” not “power tools.”
1) Soften the Wax
Common softening choices include:
- Carbamide peroxide drops (typically 6.5%): Foams to break up wax.
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%): A few drops can help; may bubble and feel cool.
- Mineral oil, baby oil, or olive oil: Lubricates and softens; gentle option.
- Saline or sodium bicarbonate drops: Helpful if oil is not your thing.
How to use:
- Lie on your side, affected ear up. Put 5–10 drops in the ear canal.
- Stay put for 5–10 minutes so gravity and chemistry can work.
- Wipe away any excess fluid that dribbles out when you sit up.
- Repeat once or twice daily for up to 3–4 days.
What to expect: Crackling or fizzing sounds with peroxide are normal. Mild fullness is common as wax softens. Stop if you feel sharp pain or significant dizziness.
2) Gentle Irrigation (If Appropriate)
Once softened, wax often exits on its own. If not—and if you do not have ear tubes, a known eardrum perforation, or a history of bad reactions to irrigation—you can try a gentle rinse.
How to irrigate safely:
- Use a soft rubber bulb syringe and body‑temperature water. Cold or hot water may cause dizziness.
- Lean over a sink. Gently pull the outer ear up and back to straighten the canal.
- With low, steady pressure, aim water along the canal wall, not straight at the eardrum.
- Let water drain; repeat a few times until flow feels clear.
- Dry the outer ear with a clean towel. A few drops of isopropyl alcohol after irrigation can help dry residual moisture if your skin tolerates it.
Stop immediately if you feel pain, vertigo, or see blood. If wax persists, it’s time for in‑clinic removal—don’t force it.
Hard Pass: What Not to Do
- No cotton swabs, bobby pins, or car keys. They push wax deeper and can injure the canal or eardrum. If it fits in your ear canal, it’s too risky.
- No ear candling. Studies show it doesn’t remove wax and can cause burns, blockages, and perforations.
- No high‑pressure devices. Shower jets, water flossers, or syringes not designed for ears can damage delicate tissues.
In‑Clinic Removal: Fast, Precise, and Safe
If home care doesn’t clear things—or you’re in the “not safe to irrigate” group—an audiologist or ENT can remove wax under direct visualization. The big advantages: they can see what they’re doing, protect the eardrum, and choose the best method for your ear.
Microsuction
Widely used and often preferred, microsuction uses a small suction wand while the clinician looks through a microscope or video otoscope. It’s quick, avoids water, and works well for narrow canals, perforations, ear tubes, or those prone to infections.
What it feels like: You’ll hear a whoosh and some squeaks as pieces lift off. It can be loud but is typically painless. If your canal is sensitive, brief discomfort is possible.
Manual Removal (Curettage)
With specialized instruments (curettes, loops, microforceps), clinicians gently tease out wax. This is especially helpful for dry, flaky wax or pieces anchored near the entrance.
Clinician‑Performed Irrigation
When water is appropriate, professionals use controlled pressure, body‑temperature fluid, and continuous visualization—safer and more effective than DIY when canals are stubborn or anatomy is tricky.
After removal, many people notice instant relief, clearer hearing, and less tinnitus. If fullness persists, an audiologist can complete a hearing screen to rule out other causes.
Special Situations That Change the Plan
Hearing Aid Users
Hearing aids and earwax interact—a lot. Wax can block sound bores, clog vents, and trigger feedback. A few habits make a big difference:
- Daily device care. Brush microphones, replace wax guards when clogged, and wipe domes or earmolds.
- Keep the canal happy. A drop or two of mineral oil once weekly can reduce itch and help the ear self‑clean. Avoid oils if you have tubes or perforation unless your clinician approves.
- Plan maintenance. Schedule clean‑and‑check visits every 3–6 months. Ask your audiologist to look in your ears at each visit—quick, easy, and preventive.
Perforated Eardrum, Ear Tubes, or Prior Ear Surgery
Avoid home irrigation. Softening drops may be used in some cases, but only under clinician guidance. Microsuction is often the go‑to approach.
Recurrent Wax Builders
Some people make thick or abundant cerumen, have narrow or bendy canals, or take devices in and out frequently. Consider a proactive plan with your audiologist: periodic checks, professional cleaning, and a simple home drop routine.
Itchy, Flaky Ears
Over‑cleaning dries the skin and fuels itch. Gentle oiling can help, but persistent itch, eczema, or crusting deserves a clinician’s look—there are safe, targeted treatments that don’t sabotage the canal’s defenses.
Prevention and Maintenance: Help Your Ears Self‑Clean
- Hands off the canal. Wipe only the outer ear with a washcloth after showers.
- Oil, sparsely. A couple of drops of mineral or olive oil in each ear once weekly can keep wax supple.
- Dry after wet. Tip your head to let water escape. If you’re prone to swimmer’s ear, ask about acetic acid or alcohol‑based drops after water exposure.
- Mind your devices. If you use earbuds or hearing aids, clean them daily and give your ears some air time.
Remember: the goal is comfort and clear hearing, not a wax‑free canal. A little wax is normal and healthy.
When to Seek Help (Don’t Tough It Out)
- Home softening didn’t help after 3–4 days
- Pain, dizziness, drainage, or bleeding at any point
- History of perforation, tubes, or ear surgery
- Diabetes, immune compromise, or radiation to the head/neck
- New tinnitus, sudden hearing drop, or a “plugged” feeling that comes back quickly
An audiologist can check your canals in minutes, remove wax safely, and run a hearing screen if needed. If anything looks unusual, they’ll coordinate with an ENT specialist.
What About Tinnitus and Wax?
Blocked ears can make existing tinnitus seem louder or trigger a temporary ring. Clearing wax often helps. If ringing continues after removal, consider a hearing test and a conversation with an audiologist about sound therapy, hearing aids with tinnitus features, and stress‑reducing strategies. There are many supportive options, and you don’t have to navigate them alone.
Bottom Line
Your ears are self‑cleaning—until they need a little assist. Start with safe softening, use gentle irrigation only when appropriate, skip risky tools and trends, and don’t hesitate to tag in an audiologist for microsuction or a quick look. Protect the eardrum today; your future hearing will thank you.
Friendly nudge: If your ear still feels blocked or you’re not sure what you’re seeing or feeling, book a same‑week visit with a local audiology clinic. Quick, clean, done—and you’ll leave hearing the difference.
Further Reading
- Earwax, Safely Solved: At‑Home Softeners, When to Flush, and When to See a Pro (Treatment) - The Right Way to Clear Earwax: Safe Options, What to Avoid, and Hearing Aid Tips (Treatment) - Tiny Ears, Big Data: Make Your Hearing Aids Privacy‑Smart (Technology) - Hearing Aid Firmware: Small Updates, Big Listening Gains (Technology)Frequently Asked Questions
Is hydrogen peroxide safe for earwax?
For many adults, a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide can help soften wax. Expect fizzing and a cool sensation. Avoid if you have ear tubes, a perforated eardrum, active ear infection, or a history of irritation from peroxide. If you’re unsure, ask an audiologist or ENT to take a quick look first.
How often should I clean my ears?
Most ears don’t need cleaning inside the canal. Wipe the outer ear after showers and consider 1–2 drops of mineral or olive oil weekly if you build dry, itchy wax. If you frequently feel plugged, schedule periodic ear checks and professional cleaning rather than using swabs or tools at home.
Can earwax cause tinnitus or vertigo?
Yes, impacted wax can create a sense of fullness, amplify internal sounds, and make tinnitus more noticeable. It can also occasionally cause brief dizziness during irrigation. Removing wax often reduces these symptoms. If ringing or vertigo persists after clearance, consult an audiologist for a hearing evaluation.
Are ear candles a safe alternative?
No. Ear candling does not remove wax and is associated with burns, canal blockages, and eardrum injuries. Professional groups and clinical studies advise against it. Stick with proven methods: softening drops, gentle irrigation when appropriate, or clinician‑guided removal.
