Why earwax is good for your ears
Earwax is made by glands in the outer part of the ear canal and mixed with dead skin cells. It traps dust and dirt, has mild antibacterial properties and keeps the skin of the ear canal from drying out. In most people, the ear canal is self-cleaning: wax moves outwards naturally. The amount and type of wax vary between people; some have dry, flaky wax and others wet, sticky wax. Producing a lot of wax is not a sign of poor hygiene.
How to clean your ears day to day
- Wash the outer ear and behind the ear with a damp flannel or washcloth.
- Wipe away any wax that has reached the opening of the ear canal.
- Dry the outer ear gently with a towel after showering or swimming.
- Tilt your head to let water drain out after swimming.
- Do not insert anything into the ear canal.
- That is usually all that is needed.
What not to do
- Cotton buds: push wax deeper, can cause impaction and may injure the canal or eardrum.
- Fingers, keys, hairpins or other objects: risk of scratches and infection.
- Ear candles: do not create suction, do not remove wax and can cause burns and deposit candle wax.
- Ear vacuums and scoops sold online: can damage the ear canal if used incorrectly.
- Overcleaning: removing too much wax can leave ears dry and itchy; see itchy ears.
- A clinical practice guideline on earwax recommends against cotton-tipped swabs and ear candling.
Signs of earwax build-up
- A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear.
- Muffled hearing.
- Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus).
- Itching or mild discomfort.
- Dizziness, occasionally.
- Hearing aids whistling or not working well.
- More details are in our guide to earwax blockage.
Safe ways to soften earwax at home
- Olive or almond oil: the NHS suggests 2–3 drops of medical grade oil in the affected ear three to four times a day for three to five days.
- Pharmacy drops: containing sodium bicarbonate or other wax softeners; follow the instructions.
- Lie with the affected ear facing up for a few minutes after putting drops in.
- Wax may come out gradually, often at night.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops are sold in some countries; see hydrogen peroxide in the ear.
- Do not use drops if you have a perforated eardrum or ear pain.
Professional earwax removal
If drops do not clear the wax, a doctor, nurse, audiologist or ear specialist can remove it. Options include microsuction, using a small suction device under magnification, ear irrigation with water, and manual removal with small instruments. The clinical guideline on earwax recommends that clinicians treat impacted wax with drops, irrigation or manual removal, depending on the person and the setting. Availability on public health services varies, and some people use private clinics. Our guide to earwax removal at home describes when home methods are appropriate.
Who is more prone to wax build-up?
- People who use cotton buds regularly.
- Hearing aid and earplug users.
- Older adults, whose wax tends to be drier.
- People with narrow or hairy ear canals.
- People with skin conditions such as eczema.
- People with learning disabilities, who may need regular checks.
Cleaning children’s ears
Children’s ears also clean themselves. Wipe the outer ear with a damp cloth at bath time and avoid putting anything inside the ear canal. If a child seems to have hearing problems, pulls at their ear, or has discharge or pain, see a doctor or pharmacist rather than trying to clean the ear. Do not use olive oil or other drops in children without advice.
Ear care for hearing aid users
Hearing aids can block the natural outward movement of wax and stimulate more wax production. Clean the hearing aid regularly as instructed, check the wax guard or filter, and have your ears checked periodically. If the hearing aid whistles or sounds weaker, wax may be the cause.
Three common situations
- Visible wax at the ear opening: wipe it away with a damp cloth.
- Ear feels blocked with muffled hearing, no pain: try olive oil drops for a few days; see a pharmacist if it persists.
- Ear pain and discharge: do not use drops; see a doctor.
Key points to remember
- Ears are usually self-cleaning.
- Clean only the outer ear.
- Avoid cotton buds and ear candles.
- Use oil or pharmacy drops for build-up, and see a professional if it persists.
Questions about cleaning your ears
These answers are general information and do not replace an examination or individual medical advice.
Is it bad to clean your ears with cotton buds?
Yes, inside the canal. They push wax deeper and can damage the ear.
How often should I clean my ears?
Washing the outer ear during your normal routine is enough. The canal usually does not need cleaning.
Can I use water to clean my ears?
Letting warm water run over the outer ear in the shower is fine. Do not syringe your own ears unless advised.
Is olive oil safe for ears?
Medical grade olive oil drops are safe for most adults with intact eardrums.
What is the safest way to remove earwax?
Softening drops at home, and professional microsuction or irrigation if needed.
Sources
- Schwartz SR, et al. Clinical practice guideline (update): earwax (cerumen impaction). Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017
- NHS · Earwax build-up
This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. How a problem is diagnosed and treated depends on your examination and medical history. If you think you have an emergency, contact your local emergency services.