Earwax can block the ear canal and reduce hearing. Learn what not to put in your ear, when drops may be unsuitable, and when to seek care.
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By Sherpa Desk
· Published
· Updated
· 5 min read
· Sources checked · Editorial guide · not clinician-reviewed
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Key facts
Earwax's role
It normally protects the ear canal and often leaves naturally.
Avoid
Objects, cotton swabs, ear candles, and consumer ear vacuums.
Get advice
Before self-treatment if there is pain, discharge, ear surgery, or possible eardrum damage.
Step by step
1Do not put fingers, cotton swabs, tools, candles, or suction gadgets into the ear canal.
2Ask a pharmacist or clinician whether a softening product is appropriate for your ear history.
3Seek assessment if hearing is sudden, severe, painful, draining, one-sided, or unchanged after initial care.
Could earwax be the cause?
Wax helps protect the ear canal and usually moves out naturally. When it builds up, it can cause a blocked feeling, reduced hearing, discomfort or ringing. These symptoms do not establish the cause: a clinician can examine the ear. See ENT Health’s earwax guidance.
What should I avoid?
Keep cotton swabs and tools out of the ear canal. They can push wax inward or cause injury. Do not use ear candles: the FDA warns of burns and ear damage.
What is the next step?
Ask a clinician which approach is appropriate, especially after ear surgery or with a possible eardrum perforation. Removal methods depend on the ear examination. Do not assume a sudden change is wax: sudden hearing loss needs prompt medical care.
Clean hearing aids according to their instructions; their cleaning tools are for the device, not for exploring your ear. If hearing remains reduced after wax treatment, ask about a hearing assessment.
Frequently asked
Should I use an ear candle?
No. The FDA warns that ear candles can cause burns and ear damage.
Can I use drops with a perforated eardrum?
Do not use drops unless a clinician says they are safe; some products are unsuitable when the eardrum may be perforated.
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Not clinician-reviewed. The Sherpa Editorial Desk checked this
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Do not use it to diagnose or treat a condition.
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