Cerumen, also known as earwax, is naturally produced by glands in the ears to both lubricate the ear canals and keep dust and debris from getting too far down in the ear canal.
Cerumen typically clears itself from the ears, but in some instances can accumulate and cause a blockage, especially if you wear earmolds or hearing aids. People often ask how quickly wax can build up – picture the rate of your fingernails growing out and this will give you an idea!
Symptoms of a cerumen blockage include:
- Earache
- Tinnitus (ringing of the ears)
- Decreased hearing
- Feeling of ear fullness
- Dizziness
If a blockage occurs, it may need to be removed. This can be done at home or at your hearing care professional’s office, depending on the size and severity of the blockage.
At-home earwax removal
In some instances, audiologists may send patients home with an at-home earwax removal kit. Earwax removal kits can also be purchased over the counter in most drug stores.
These kits generally consist of a liquid that softens earwax and a small rubber bulb syringe. You will be given directions on how much and how often to apply the liquid to your ear canals, allowing it to sit for a short amount of time in your ears to soften up the earwax. Bubbling and fizzing sensations in your ears are normal with use. You will then use the bulb syringe to gently flush your ears with warm (not hot) water to remove the earwax. It may take several days to completely clear earwax blockages from your ear. There are contraindications to using these kits in some people and with some ear conditions. Before attempting at-home earwax removal, it is advised to speak with your hearing care provider or doctor to be sure it is safe for you.
Earwax removal methods to avoid
People commonly use cotton swabs to try and remove earwax or dislodge a blockage. However, this can often cause more problems as cotton swab tend to push the blockage further down into the ear canal, risking even more damage to the ear.
Cotton swabs themselves can also be accidentally inserted too far into the ear canal and can compact wax further or puncture your eardrum.
It is generally agreed that cotton swabs are a bad idea for removing earwax and should only be used on the outer portions of your ear. You should never insert cotton swabs or any small object into your ear canal!
Removal at your hearing care office
If the earwax blockage is more significant, it may need to be removed at your hearing care professional’s office. Typically one of three methods is used to remove earwax: irrigation (wet removal), curettage (dry removal) or suction (vacuum).
Irrigation is the most common method your hearing specialist will use to remove blockages. Unlike at-home earwax removal kits, your hearing professional may use stronger earwax removal medications in conjunction with irrigation. Carbamide peroxide or oil is typically the main ingredient in these medications. We use the Earigator (TM) at our office.
Another common method is curettage, which involves the use of a long, curved tool that may also be used with suction to remove cerumen from the ear canal.
If you experience pain or discomfort as a result of earwax or suspect you have a blockage, it’s important that you see your hearing health professional as soon as possible to address the issue. Removing earwax doesn’t have to be painful and should bring you relief!