Earwax removal. It’s an icky, albeit necessary part of many a beauty routine. But are you cleaning your ears correctly? Or shall we say, safely?
Although excess earwax can cause hearing difficulties and discomfort, removing it incorrectly can cause damage to sensitive parts of the ear.
Here’s how to remove that pesky earwax effectively (without resorting to any dangerous or ill-advised methods)…
What is earwax?
Before you go to town on your earwax, it’s important to understand what it is and why it’s there in the first place. Medically known as cerumen, the sticky, shiny substance is created by the wax glands located in the outer part of the ear canal. It ranges in colour from yellowish to reddish-brown and despite being rather sinister-looking, it does have a purpose.
“[Earwax] is essential for moisturising the skin within the ear canal to prevent it from becoming dry or damaged,” explains Katie Ogden, the HCPC registered hearing aid dispenser and Training Manager for ReSound in North-West Europe. “The waxy coating also prevents dust, dirt or any other debris from entering the ear and damaging the eardrum.”
Earwax is primarily (about 60 per cent) comprised of shed skin cells, as well as hair, and the secretions of the ceruminous and sebaceous glands of the outside ear canal.
Natural movements such as talking and chewing help to move earwax out from the ear canal. However, occasionally build-up can occur. But it’s important not to go over the top with removal…
“Individuals that are frequently removing their earwax and therefore have too little of it can experience dry, itchy ears that are also more prone to infection,” says Katie.
So if it’s not causing you problems, it may be best to leave your earwax alone.
How to remove earwax
Cleaning out excess earwax from the ear canal is a delicate exercise. The idea is not to eliminate the wax entirely, but simply to keep it from blocking your ear.
And while cotton buds were initially invented to help remove earwax, they often do more harm than good.
“[They can] push earwax deeper into the ear, causing it to build up further inside the ear canal,” explains Katie. “In more serious cases, the cotton bud can also cause damage to the structures of the inner ear causing vertigo, deafness and even facial paralysis.” Yikes!
If you think you’re experiencing excessive amounts of earwax, Katie highly recommends contacting a healthcare professional on how best to proceed.
One gentle at-home option that may be recommended is ear cleaning drops. They help to soften the hard wax plug naturally and allow it to come easily out of the ear. Ear cleaning drops can be purchased from most leading chemists and pharmacies.
- Ear Clear Ear Drops for Wax Removal ($11.99 at Chemist Warehouse)
- Waxsol Ear Drops ($10.99 at Chemist Warehouse)
- Clean Ears Kids Spray ($14.49 at Chemist Warehouse)
Please note that this method should not be used if you have (or suspect you could have) a perforated eardrum.
Earwax removal don’ts
While some methods of earwax removal may look satisfying, it’s best to always proceed with caution.
And cotton tips aren’t the only method Katie is wary of…
Hydrogen peroxide
Yep, we’re talking about the same ingredient used for whitening teeth. Sometimes used to soften earwax, Katie warns that its overuse can have less than desirable results.
“It can not only cause irritation to the skin inside of the ear and be abrasive but it can even lead to unwanted effects like inflammation of the inner ear and earaches,” she says.
Ear candles
Intrigued by the idea of using a candle to draw out your earwax? Katie warns that playing with fire means you’re likely to get burned. “[Plus,] the candle wax can even drip into the ear, clogging the canal and making you lose hearing for a while.”
Guess we’ll be leaving that one to the brave…
Do you use ear wash and/or earwax remover products? Did you find this article helpful?
I use cotton buds but i’m super careful and never put them straight into my ear
I’ve only just realised that I need to be more careful!
i use those ear wax drops couple times a month
That sounds more sensible than cotton buds
Good way to clear wax.
My manicure kit contains an earwax scoop. I’m careful how I insert it so I don’t push the wax further down my ear.
I’ve never used ear drops before, I just use q tips but try to be careful when using it
I have used waxsol ear drops and ear candle.
Interesting. I’m not fussed, as my ears are clean and i do from time to time washing in the shower.
I always wondered about ear candles being legit or not – another hippy gimick lol!!
Me too, I have used one in the past and I thought it might be a nice sensation but it was a bit meh and annoying to lay on my side for that long for very little benefit.
I know ear candles are NOT made out of earwax, but I can’t get the image out of my head, haha!
I’ve had one ear candling session. I found it relaxing but it didn’t produce any wax, so I didn’t go again.
That’s interesting. Never tried ear candling and probably won’t.
Cotton buds, but careful, it is a delicate operation.
Very helpful article -I very rarely have ear wax problems but I have to be honest I have used cotton buds -I have read the problems with this and will in future avoid
I use cotton buds every now and again even though I’ve been told to stop doing this.
I love using cotton buds – but would never push them too far in.
I do use cotton buds, but not very often
I’ve tried using ear wash/removal products in the past, but felt they haven’t worked for me (+ I’ve also had a perforated eardrum previously). I do use a cotton bud, which I know is naughty but I try to be careful with it, especially since I have an issue with my right ear that’s currently under investigation (the same ear which, ironically, is where I had the perforated eardrum back in my teens – have had my ENT confirm that it has healed since though. She also removed my excess earwax but gosh it hurt!).
Thanks Katie for the Warning regarding Ear Candles, certainly an interesting subject.
I use cotton buds all the time
I think getting wax in your ear maybe heridiatry? What do you think? I get it a lot and so did my mom.
I use cotton buds.
I have to admit that I use the good old cotton bud, but I don’t push it in just a gentle twisting action for me:)
I hate things going into my ears including when I go to see a Dr & they look into my ears.
It’s amazing what some people try at home. Good tips.
I’ve always used cotton buds and never had any issues. I’m just super careful and gentle. I know some people are against them and walk around with gross visible wax in their ears. Yuck!
I have always wanted to try ear candles, I have used ear clear drops but didn’t feel it works so it is cotton buds that get the job.
I;m also pro cottonbuds, but super gentle and after a shower
I use cotton buds with caution.
I have swimmer’s ear and suffered ear blockage throughout my teens. Would use ear drops and then get it washed out by doctor. Nothing else works and can damage the ear drum.
Interesting!
Interesting, I don’tget a lot of earwax fortunately
Waxsol is brilliant.
Agree. It’s a good solution to earwax problem.
Our son is profoundly deaf, and his ENT rants against people using cotton buds to remove earwax.
@Dance our GP told me it was a marketing ploy by the big companies.
I often (carefully) use cotton buds, a lot of the time to just itch the ear canal or outer ear area
I have used ear drops and cotton buds (always very carefully). I have on occasion had my ears syringed at the doctor surgery too.
I still use cotton buds but will look into alternatives
You should not put any ear bud into your ear canal. I was told this by a doctor after using them on baby. I was told to just leave the earwax. In saying that I have had ear wax removed by a different doctor, with warm water. It was such a relief to be able to hear properly again.
I have been told never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear!!! In other word nothing.
Very helpful article, I actually do need to try some ear drops!
Please don’t use cotton buds with a plastic stick, they are so bad for the environment, you can buy them with a cardboard stick now
Very informative article.Thanks for sharing.
I am a cotton bud user but I am aware of the risk. I need to try another method
Who remembers when Shrek pulled out his earwax and turned it into a candle
I am guilty of using cotton buds but with care
Interesting information.
my ears are soooo itchy lately- maybe i need more ear wax
I often wonder if ear wax is an herediatery problem. My had it and so do I.
I’ve only used cotton buds to clean my ears, but I try to be gentle.