Most people think earwax is dirt that needs to be cleaned out. But your ears aren’t like your hands-they don’t need scrubbing. In fact, trying to clean them with cotton swabs, bobby pins, or ear candles can do more harm than good. When earwax builds up and hardens, it’s called earwax impaction. It’s not rare. About 6 in every 100 people deal with it, and for those over 65, the number jumps to 1 in 7. If you’ve noticed muffled hearing, ear pressure, or a strange ringing sound, it might not be an infection-it could just be wax blocking your ear canal.
What Exactly Is Earwax Impaction?
Earwax, or cerumen, isn’t gunk. It’s a natural substance made of oil, dead skin cells, and enzymes. Its job? To trap dust, bacteria, and tiny bugs before they reach your eardrum. Normally, your ears move it out on their own-chewing, talking, and even showering help push it toward the opening. But sometimes, it gets stuck. When it hardens and fills the ear canal so much that it touches the eardrum or causes symptoms, that’s impaction.
It’s not the same as having a little wax visible. About 30-40% of people have wax buildup during routine checkups, but if they don’t feel anything, it’s not a problem. Impaction only counts when it causes symptoms. The American Academy of Family Physicians says you shouldn’t treat it unless it’s bothering you. That’s why so many people go to the doctor thinking they have an infection-only to find out it’s just wax.
How Do You Know You Have It?
Symptoms don’t show up overnight. They creep in over days or weeks. You might not notice at first, but here’s what to watch for:
- Hearing feels dull or muffled-like you’re underwater (happens in 65% of cases)
- Your ear feels full or plugged, even when you’re not sick
- You hear ringing, buzzing, or humming (tinnitus)
- Earache or mild pain, especially when chewing or pulling on your ear
- Dizziness or feeling off-balance (less common, but real)
- Itching inside the ear
- Odd drainage or smell coming from the ear
Most people have at least two of these. If you use hearing aids, you’re more likely to get impacted wax-up to 4 in 10 users report it. Same goes for older adults or people with lots of ear hair or oddly shaped ear canals. And if you’ve ever stuck a cotton swab in your ear? You’ve probably made it worse. Studies show 60-70% of impactions are caused by people trying to clean their ears.
Why You Should Never Use Cotton Swabs
It’s the most common mistake. You feel the itch, you grab the swab, and you push it in. But here’s the thing: your ear canal isn’t straight. It curves, and the swab doesn’t scoop wax out-it pushes it deeper. That’s why so many people end up with a hard plug stuck near the eardrum. The NHS says cotton swabs are responsible for most cases of iatrogenic (doctor-caused) earwax problems. And it’s not just discomfort. In the U.S. alone, over 12,500 ear injuries each year come from home removal attempts. About 3,000 of those are perforated eardrums.
Even “ear scoops” sold on TikTok or Amazon are dangerous. Videos showing people pulling out big chunks of wax look satisfying, but they’re not safe. Those tools aren’t designed for ears. They can scratch the canal, rupture the eardrum, or push wax further in. One Reddit user wrote: “I used a spoon because I saw it online. Now I can’t hear out of my left ear. Took three visits to fix.”
What Works: Safe, Proven Methods
There are three safe ways to remove impacted wax-and only one of them should be done at home.
1. Soften It First (At Home)
If you’re not in pain and your hearing is just a little off, try softening the wax first. The NHS recommends this simple 5-step method:
- Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up.
- Put 2-3 drops of olive oil, almond oil (if you’re not allergic), or mineral oil into the ear.
- Stay still for 5-10 minutes so the oil can soak in.
- Repeat 3-4 times a day for 3-5 days.
- After that, gently wipe the outer ear with a damp cloth. Don’t stick anything inside.
This works for about 6 in 10 people. It won’t fix everything, but it often loosens the wax enough that your ear can clear it naturally. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide unless your doctor says so-it can irritate the skin and make dizziness worse.
2. Professional Removal
If softening doesn’t help, or if you have pain, dizziness, or a history of ear surgery, see a professional. You don’t need a referral. Many pharmacies, urgent care centers, and GP clinics offer earwax removal.
There are three main methods used by doctors:
- Manual removal with a curette or forceps-92% effective in one visit. The doctor uses a tiny tool to gently scoop or pull out the wax. It’s quick, painless, and you can see the wax being removed.
- Irrigation with warm water or saline-85% effective. A gentle stream flushes out the wax. Not safe if you’ve had a ruptured eardrum, ear tubes, or frequent infections.
- Microsuction-96% effective and the gold standard. A tiny vacuum removes wax under direct vision with a microscope. No water, no mess, no risk of infection. Most patients say their hearing improves instantly.
Microsuction is becoming the most popular choice in the UK and US. Trustpilot reviews show 92% satisfaction with this method. It’s also the only one safe for people with hearing aids, ear surgery history, or sensitive skin.
What Doesn’t Work (And Why)
Some methods sound logical-but they’re risky or fake.
- Ear candling: This is a myth. The FDA banned it as a “misbranded device” in 2010. No science supports it. It can burn your ear, melt wax into your eardrum, or even cause fire. Don’t try it.
- Home suction devices: Sold online as “ear vacuums.” They don’t work. They can damage the canal or push wax deeper. The FDA has received thousands of complaints.
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Can cause irritation, burning, or dizziness. Only use if recommended by a doctor.
- Trying to dig it out: If you can’t see the wax, don’t touch it. Your fingers or tools can’t safely reach it without risking injury.
Dr. William Luxford from the House Clinic says: “90% of earwax problems come from people trying to clean their ears.” Your ears are designed to clean themselves. You don’t need to help.
When to See a Doctor
You don’t need to rush to the clinic for a little wax. But call your GP or visit an urgent care center if:
- Your hearing doesn’t improve after 5 days of oil drops
- You have ear pain, fever, or drainage (could be infection)
- You feel dizzy or off-balance
- You have a history of ear surgery, perforated eardrum, or ear tubes
- You use hearing aids and notice changes in sound quality
Doctors diagnose impaction with an otoscope-a small lighted tool that lets them see inside your ear. They’ll check for wax, but also rule out other causes like swimmer’s ear, ear infections, or even TMJ issues. About 1 in 5 people who think they have wax impaction actually have something else.
Prevention: How to Keep Your Ears Clear
Once it’s gone, you want to keep it from coming back. Here’s how:
- Never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear. That’s the golden rule.
- If you use hearing aids, clean them daily and see your audiologist every 6 months for a check-up.
- After swimming or showering, tilt your head to drain water. Don’t use cotton swabs to dry.
- If you’re prone to buildup, use oil drops once a week as a preventive step.
- Don’t ignore symptoms. Early treatment is easier and safer.
Most people don’t need regular cleaning. But if you’re over 65, have a lot of ear hair, or use hearing aids, occasional professional checks make sense. The goal isn’t to be wax-free-it’s to be symptom-free.
What’s New in 2025
The field is changing. In 2023, the FDA cleared the first home-use ultrasonic device called Eareto OtoSonic. It’s prescription-only and works by vibrating wax loose without water or chemicals. Early results show 78% success. It’s not a replacement for professional care, but it could help people who struggle with recurring buildup.
Also, telehealth is getting better. A 2023 study showed that doctors can accurately diagnose earwax impaction over video calls 89% of the time. You can now get triaged remotely and get a referral for in-person care without waiting weeks.
But the biggest threat? Social media. TikTok has over 1.2 billion views of videos showing people digging wax out with random tools. That’s not education-it’s dangerous misinformation. The American Academy of Otolaryngology is working on public campaigns to counter it.
Earwax isn’t the enemy. Trying to remove it yourself is.
Can earwax impaction cause permanent hearing loss?
No, earwax impaction doesn’t cause permanent hearing loss. The hearing loss it causes is temporary and fully reversible once the wax is removed. But if left untreated for a long time, it can lead to ear infections or eardrum damage, which might result in lasting issues. That’s why it’s important to get it checked if symptoms last more than a week.
Is earwax removal covered by the NHS?
Yes, earwax removal is covered by the NHS in the UK. Your GP can refer you to an audiologist or ENT nurse for free removal. Many pharmacies also offer the service under NHS contracts. If you have a long-term condition like hearing loss or dementia, you may be prioritized. Private clinics charge between £30-£80 per ear, but NHS care is free at the point of use.
Can I use baby oil to remove earwax?
Yes, baby oil is a safe and effective option for softening earwax. It’s gentle, non-irritating, and works just as well as olive oil or mineral oil. Use 2-3 drops in the affected ear, lie on your side for 10 minutes, and repeat 3-4 times a day for 3-5 days. Don’t use it if you have a perforated eardrum or ear infection.
Why does my ear feel clogged after using ear drops?
It’s normal to feel more blocked right after using drops. The oil or solution softens the wax, which can temporarily swell it before it breaks apart. This feeling usually fades within a day or two. If it gets worse, or you feel pain or dizziness, stop and see a professional. It could mean the wax is too hard or you have an underlying issue.
How often should I get my ears professionally cleaned?
You don’t need routine cleaning unless you have symptoms or risk factors. Most people never need it. If you use hearing aids, have a history of impaction, or are over 65, check with your audiologist once a year. Don’t schedule cleanings just because you think your ears are “dirty.” Your ears clean themselves-unless something’s blocking the process.
If you’ve ever felt like your ears are stuffed with cotton, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to live with it. The fix is simple, safe, and quick-if you know how to do it right. Skip the swabs. Skip the candles. Let your ears do their job-and get professional help when you need it.
Joanne Smith
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