Never try to remove earwax from your ear canal yourself. Objects such as a cotton-tipped swab, car key, bobby pin, toothpick, matchstick, or high-pressure water spray are unsafe tools for removing earwax. These ear-cleaning devices often push earwax further down ear canal toward eardrum.

If these objects come in contact with your eardrum, they can injure ear canal and can perforate eardrum. They may also damage small bones in middle ear behind eardrum. They can even damage inner ear, causing permanent hearing loss.

How is earwax buildup treated?

There are safe ways to remove earwax if it is causing pain or loss of hearing. You can use baby oil, mineral oil, or special ear drops to soften earwax. This may be enough to get excess wax to slowly move out of ear. The wax will fall out or may be cleaned safely from outer ear with a washcloth.

Your health care provider can remove earwax that is still causing problems. They may use irrigation (ear washes), a curette (tiny spoon-shaped tool), or suction.

Your health care provider may refer you to an ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist for earwax removal if you have:

• chronic ear disease.
• a punctured or ruptured eardrum (now or in past).
• only one ear with good hearing, and that ear is one with earwax buildup.

If your ear is repeatedly impacted with earwax, you will probably need to see an ENT specialist regularly.

How can I take care of myself?

Unless there is a blockage, it is best to leave earwax alone. Remember that earwax is necessary to protect ear. It does not mean that your ears are not clean.

If you tend to have problems with earwax buildup, you can do these things to help yourself:

• Don't attempt to soften wax in your ear if you have ear pain, cold symptoms, or if your eardrum has ever been punctured.
• Don't put any object (such as cotton swabs or pencils) inside your ears to try to clean them.
• See your healthcare provider if you develop pain or discomfort in one or both ears or if you notice a change in your hearing.

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