Buzz
Sticking a cotton swab into your ear can be damaging, as it only moves earwax further in rather than clearing it out. If you’re used to using Q-tips, quitting might be tough. Instead, try this safer and more effective method for ear care.
Just avoid it
You don’t really need to clean your ears at all. Surprisingly, your ears clean themselves. The wax naturally moves out, assisted by jaw movements while chewing or talking. While you might see brown or yellow wax near the entrance of your ear, you can easily clean it with a tissue or damp cloth. You could even use a Q-tip if you really wanted to, but it’s best to resist that urge.
Try using ear drops
If you feel like there's too much earwax, there are ways to remove it without a q-tip. The easiest method is to place a few drops of mineral oil, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, or over-the-counter ear drops into your ear. After a minute or two, tilt your head to let the earwax come out. Wipe it with a tissue. Too unpleasant? Don't forget, “Just don’t” is always an option.
Consult a doctor
If you're certain that your earwax is excessive and it's affecting your hearing or causing a blocked sensation, it's a good idea to consult a doctor. Your primary care physician can check your ears and determine if it's really earwax causing the problem or if something else, like an ear infection, might be at play. If you already see an audiologist or an ENT specialist, they can help as well.
If it turns out you do have a wax buildup, your doctor can assist in removing it. They may perform an in-office irrigation, using ear-softening drops and water to clear the wax. (Fun fact: doctors call earwax cerumen, though it’s not really wax.) Alternatively, they may suggest a home earwax irrigation kit that you can purchase. There's also the option of a procedure to remove impacted earwax with a camera and specialized tools, which can be fascinating to watch if that interests you.
If you're still wondering how earwax can block your ears and how to deal with it, you might want to check out these guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology, which provide doctors with the best practices for managing impacted earwax. At the top of their list: advise patients to stop using q-tips in their ears. You're welcome.
