Called cerumen, earwax is a sticky substance produced in the outer one-third of the ear canal, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Educate yourself about the various earwax removal solutions so that you know when and how to get excess wax from your ears, as well as when to contact your doctor for help.
The Facts
Cerumen consists of a mix of materials, including sloughed epithelial cells and hair, as well as oil produced by the ceruminous glands. Earwax typically migrates gradually to the outside opening of the ear, at which point you can remove it with a soft cloth or damp tissue. However, in certain situations, earwax collects and hardens in the ear canal, often as a result of anatomical irregularities or the use of cotton swabs or hearing aids, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Signs of impacted earwax include ear pain, gradual hearing loss, buzzing or noises in the ear and a plugged sensation in the ear.
Types
You can often remove stubborn earwax at home using cerumenolytics or irrigation. According to the AAFP, commonly used cerumenolytics--liquids that soften or lubricate earwax--include water-based solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate, water and saline solution, as well as oil-based solutions, such as mineral oil, almond oil and olive oil. Irrigating earwax requires a rubber bulb syringe and room-temperature water; the National Institutes of Health notes that you should always direct the flow of water at part of the ear canal next to the wax, rather than aiming it directly at the chunk of wax.
Time Frame
You can use wax-softening solutions alone or in combination with irrigation to remove compacted earwax. Apply several drops of the chosen cerumenolytic in the affected ear twice daily for three to five days. If you opt to irrigate the ear as well, do so 15 to 30 minutes following a cerumenolytic treatment, as recommended by the AAOHNS.
Considerations
Always check with your doctor to verify that it's all right to attempt the removal of compacted earwax yourself, especially if the affected person is a child. In certain instances, such as when the affected ear may have a punctured eardrum, your doctor will typically opt to manually extract the wax during an office visit using specialized equipment. The AAOHNS notes that other situations requiring manual wax removal by a physician include a person with ear tubes in place, narrow ear canals, diabetes or a weak immune system.
Warning
Regardless of what earwax removal solution you choose, never insert objects into the ear canal when removing the wax. According to the AAOHNS, using sharp objects, such as cotton swabs, to aid in the removal of earwax often serves to push the wax chunk further back into the ear. This may scratch the skin lining the ear canal or lead to further complications, including ear infections or a perforated eardrum.
