Earwax
Topic OverviewEarwax is a naturally produced substance that protects the
ear canal. It is a mixture of skin, sweat, hair, and debris (such as shampoo
and dirt) held together with a fluid secreted by glands inside the ear canal
(ceruminous glands). The ear canals are self-cleaning. Earwax
helps filter dust, keeps the ears clean, and protects the ear canal from
infection. Normally, earwax is a self-draining liquid that does not cause
problems. As the skin of the ear canal sheds, the wax is carried to the outer
part of the ear canal and drains from the ear by itself. Earwax
ranges in color from light to dark brown or orange. In children, earwax is
usually softer and lighter than the earwax produced by adults. Children produce
a lot of earwax, which tapers off as they grow older. Earwax is
normally produced only in the outer half of the ear canal and will not become
deeply impacted unless it is pushed in. The ear canal may become blocked
(impacted) when attempts to clean the ear with cotton swabs, bobby pins, or a
finger push wax deeply into the ear canal. Impacted earwax may cause some
hearing loss or other problems, such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus), a full
feeling in the ears, or
vertigo. Poking at the wax with cotton swabs, your
fingers, or other objects usually only further compacts the wax against the
eardrum. Most earwax problems can be handled with home treatment.
Professional help may be needed to remove tightly packed earwax. Check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see
a doctor. Check Your SymptomsDo you have an earwax problem? How old are you? Less than 12 years Less than 12 years 12 years or older 12 years or older Do you think you may have an ear infection? Pain and discharge from the ear are the usual symptoms of infection. Yes Possible ear infection Do you have tubes in your ears? Do you have any discomfort in your ears? Have you had any ear symptoms for more than a week? Yes Ear symptoms for more than 1 week No Ear symptoms for more than 1 week Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind
of care you may need. These include: - Your age. Babies and older
adults tend to get sicker quicker.
- Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart
disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care
sooner.
- Medicines you take. Certain
medicines, herbal remedies, and supplements can cause symptoms or make them
worse.
- Recent health events, such as surgery
or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them
more serious.
- Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug
use, sexual history, and travel.
Try Home TreatmentYou have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be
able to take care of this problem at home. - Try home treatment to relieve the
symptoms.
- Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any
concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect).
You may need care sooner.
Vertigo is the feeling that you or
your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. It may feel like
spinning, whirling, or tilting. Vertigo may make you sick to your stomach, and
you may have trouble standing, walking, or keeping your balance. Seek Care TodayBased on your answers, you may need care soon. The
problem probably will not get better without medical care. - Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms
and arrange for care.
- If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't
have one, seek care today.
- If it is evening, watch the symptoms and
seek care in the morning.
- If the symptoms get worse, seek care
sooner.
Make an Appointment Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical
care. - Make an appointment to see your doctor in the
next 1 to 2 weeks.
- If appropriate, try home treatment while you
are waiting for the appointment.
- If symptoms get worse or you have
any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.
Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older Home TreatmentDo not try to remove
earwax if you have
ear pain or a discharge that looks different than earwax, if you think you
have a
ruptured eardrum, if you have had ear surgery, or if
you have tubes in your ears. - Soften and loosen the earwax with warm mineral
oil or a mixture of hydrogen peroxide mixed with an equal amount of room-temperature water. Place 2 drops of the fluid, warmed to body temperature, in
the ear twice a day for up to 5 days. Be sure to warm the fluid because cold
fluid can cause pain and dizziness.
- Once the wax is loose and soft,
all that is usually needed to remove it from the ear canal is a gentle, warm
shower. Direct the water into the ear, then tip your head to let the earwax
drain out. Dry your ear thoroughly with a hair dryer set on low. Hold the dryer
several inches (centimeters) from your
ear.
- If the warm mineral oil and shower don't work, use a
nonprescription wax softener followed by gentle flushing with an ear syringe
each night for a week or two. Make sure the flushing solution is body
temperature. Cool or hot fluids in the ear can cause dizziness.
- Do
not use cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other objects to clean the
ear.
- Do not use a dental irrigation device,
such as a Water Pik, to remove earwax. The force of the water injures the ear
canal and ruptures the eardrum.
- Do not use ear candles. They have no proven benefit in the removal of earwax and can
cause serious injury.
Symptoms to watch for during home treatmentCall your doctor if any of the following occur during home
treatment: - Other symptoms develop, such as ear
pain, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness, severe itching, or
bad-smelling discharge from the ear.
- Symptoms become more severe or
frequent.
PreventionEarwax is a protective substance produced
in the ear canal. It usually flows out of the ear by itself without problems.
In general, the best way to prevent infection or impacted earwax is to leave earwax
alone. - You can keep earwax soft by inserting a few drops
of mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide mixed with warm water into your
ear.
- Do not use cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other substances to
remove earwax.
- Try not to get water, soap, or shampoo in your ear
canal when you shower. Keep soap, bubble bath, and shampoo out of the ear
canal. These products can cause itching and irritation.
- Keep your
ears dry.
- When you rinse your hair, keep your head down
with your chin toward your chest or pull the outside of your ear down over the
ear canal.
- After swimming or showering, shake your head to remove
water from the ear canal.
- Gently dry your ears with the corner of a
tissue or towel, or use a blow-dryer on its lowest setting. Hold the dryer
several inches (centimeters) from your
ear.
- Put a few drops of rubbing alcohol or rubbing alcohol mixed
with an equal amount of white vinegar into the ear after swimming or showering.
Wiggle the outside of the ear to let the liquid enter the ear canal, then tilt
your head and let it drain out. You can also use nonprescription drops to keep the inside of your ear dry.
Preparing For Your AppointmentTo prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment. You can help your
doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the
following questions: - What are your main symptoms?
- Do you have ear pain?
- Do you have
ringing in your ears?
- Do you have trouble hearing?
- What home treatment methods have you
tried?
- What nonprescription earwax softeners have you
used?
- Have you ever had a ruptured eardrum?
- Do you wear
hearing aids?
- Do you have any
health risks?
CreditsByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Current as ofApril 7, 2017 Current as of:
April 7, 2017 Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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