Earwax lubricates, hydrates, and offers some protection to the delicate components of the ear canal. It also possesses antibacterial properties, and naturally carries nasty stuff out of your ear canal. [4] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source The ear canal’s skin and hair help direct wax out of the ear. Additionally, chewing and other jaw motions help push wax outward.
Even worse, because of the thin skin and sensitive components inside your ear, you can easily cause punctures or other damage. Most cases of impacted earwax are caused by ill-advised cleaning methods that push wax down against the eardrum.
Basically, only worry about cleaning the parts of your ear you can see in the mirror.
Wax buildup on the eardrum can also cause muffled hearing or even progressive hearing loss. Other common symptoms of impaction include earaches; ringing in the ears (tinnitus); ear canal itchiness; discharge that may smell foul; and coughing spells.
Many of the symptoms of cerumen impaction can also indicate ear infections or other serious conditions that your doctor can diagnose and treat.
Plainly stated, there is no reliable evidence that these candles work in the least, and ample evidence that they can cause burns, fires, and punctured eardrums.
Other DIY methods you can find online may carry unnecessary risks. Pouring hydrogen peroxide in your ear, for instance, can damage the skin in your ear. [12] X Expert Source Payam Daneshrad, MDBoard Certified Otolaryngologist Expert Interview. 30 September 2020. Ask your doctor about using a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution. This can be a great option for loosening and draining excess earwax if your doctor advises that it’s safe for you to try. [13] X Research source
Lie on your side, with the gunked-up ear facing up. Instead of trying to force or flush out excess earwax on or near your eardrum, you might be able to soften it up and encourage it to flow out. The process should be painless and can even be relaxing.
Squeeze the bulb, place the tip down into the liquid, and loosen your squeeze; the liquid will draw up into the bulb.
Stop immediately if you feel pain. See your doctor instead. You may want to try to soften and loosen the earwax with mineral oil before attempting this method.
