Earwax is the amber-colored, sticky substance that builds up in the ears. It's not actually a wax, but a liquid secreted by the cerumen glands to protect the ear canal and ear drum from any foreign objects or materials that might get inside, according to Dr. Douglass Hoffman of the Medical Consumer's Advocate. Earwax is a good thing and generally shouldn't be removed unless it's causing hearing loss or pain.
Cotton Swabs
Cotton swabs should only be used for cleaning wax from the outer ear and the opening of the ear canal, but never any deeper than that, according to the Medical Consumer's Advocate. Pushing a swab down the ear canal can pack earwax in harder, damage the eardrum or scrape the skin of the ear canal. To clean the outer ear, gently wipe around the edges and lightly swab the opening of the ear canal, never inserting the cotton.
Eyedropper
Use an eyedropper to put a few drops of baby oil or mineral oil in the ear to soften the wax, according to the Mayo Clinic. Put the drops in twice a day for no more than five days. This should soften and loosen the wax, and make it easier to remove. You should also use drops prior to any other wax removal method.
Irrigation Bulb
An irrigation bulb is a rubber tool with a large bulb on one end and a syringe on the other end. Squeezing the empty bulb draws water inside, and squeezing the full bulb expels water out. They can be purchased at any drug store. Fill the bulb with warm water and then gently squirt the water inside the affected ear. Tilt your head back and pull on the outer ear to straighten the ear canal, according to the Mayo Clinic. After a few moments, tilt your head to the side and let it drain. Irrigating your ears should be done with caution, however; the warm water can actually get stuck between earwax and the ear drum and cause a blockage, or it can pack the wax in tighter, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Metal Curette
Earwax removal with a curette should only be done by a doctor or someone with substantial experience. A curette is a metal tool with a small spoon on one end that's used to scrap out wax. A doctor will use a otoscope, or ear flashlight, in conjunction with the spoon for accuracy. You shouldn't use a curette on yourself because it's easy to damage the ear canal or ear drum, according to the Medical Consumer's Advocate.
