By Jenn Schumacher, AuD
Manager, Medical Communications for GN Hearing
Most of us don’t give earwax a second thought. It’s just one of those things we assume our body takes care of on its own.
But experts warn that ignoring a build-up can do more harm than you think. Left untreated, it can lead to hearing loss, painful ear infections, or even balance problems like dizziness.
Despite this, many people either leave earwax to build up until it causes issues. Or, worse, try home ‘remedies’ that can actually make things worse.
Dr. Jenn Schumacher, Audiologist at ReSound, has revealed the golden rules for keeping your ears healthy, from what you should never stick inside them to the safest ways to help your body do its job.
What are the potential risks or consequences of earwax buildup?
Earwax is completely normal. In fact, it helps protect your ears from dust, debris, and infection.
But when too much builds up, that’s when problems can start. You might notice muffled or reduced hearing, or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
Some people experience a ringing sound, known as tinnitus, while in more severe cases, dizziness, balance problems, or ear infections can develop.
What are the key things to remember when it comes to earwax buildup?
The most important thing to remember is that your ears are self-cleaning. Most of the time, you don’t need to intervene at all. Earwax naturally moves toward the opening of the ear and falls out on its own.
The trouble starts when people poke around with cotton swabs or DIY ear-cleaning tools. While it might feel like it’s helping, it can actually push the wax deeper, increasing the risk of injury or hearing difficulties later on.
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as a blocked or full feeling in the ear, pain, changes in hearing, or dizziness, it’s best to have your ears checked by a professional rather than trying to fix the problem yourself.
What are some safe ways to manage earwax buildup?
If you do have a wax buildup, using ear drops containing carbamide peroxide, such as Debrox drops, is a safe way to help soften it.
These drops break down the wax and make it easier for your ear’s natural cleaning process to do its job. For most people, that’s enough for the wax to work its way out naturally.
If that doesn’t solve the problem, visit a nurse, audiologist, or hearing health specialist, who can remove it safely using methods like micro-suction or syringing.
Which home remedies are considered unsafe?
Some methods you might see online or hear about from friends can do more harm than good.
Cotton swabs, hairpins, and even earwax removal ‘tools’ marketed as safe can push wax deeper, compact it, and make it harder to remove. They can also scratch the ear canal or damage the eardrum.
Ear candling is another definite no. It’s ineffective and carries risks such as blockages if candle wax drips into the ear, as well as burns to the skin.
Avoid pouring household liquids into your ears unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional. If done incorrectly, such as the temperature of the water or solution not being room temperature, it can induce vertigo if done incorrectly, irritate the skin, disrupt its natural balance, and increase the risk of infection.
Finally, don’t aim strong water jets, like those from high-pressure showers, into your ears. They can damage the eardrum or ear canal and cause pain or dizziness.
