Earwax

at Allergy & ENT Associates of Middle TN

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a yellowish, waxy substance produced by healthy ears. It plays an important role in protecting the ear from bacteria, water, and foreign particles while helping to clean and lubricate the ear canal. In most cases, excess earwax is naturally removed from the ear.


However, when earwax builds up, it can become hard and block the ear canal, leading to discomfort and hearing problems. Professional earwax removal can safely relieve symptoms and restore ear health.

What Earwax Buildup Can Affect

Excess earwax can interfere with normal ear function and may cause:


  • Earaches


  • A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear


  • Hearing loss


  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)


  • Increased risk of ear infection
     

Proper diagnosis ensures that symptoms are caused by earwax and not a more serious condition.

Causes of Earwax Blockage

Earwax blockage is commonly caused by either overproduction of earwax or insufficient natural removal. One of the most common causes is improper at-home earwax removal, which often pushes wax deeper into the ear canal instead of removing it.


Additional causes may include:


  • Frequent use of earphones or earplugs


  • Narrow or uniquely shaped ear canals



  • Repeated insertion of objects into the ear
     

Earphones and earplugs can prevent earwax from naturally exiting the ear canal, leading to buildup over time.

Symptoms of Earwax Blockage

Symptoms of earwax blockage may include:

  

  • Ear pain or discomfort


  • Fullness or pressure in the ear


  • Decreased hearing


  • Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
     

If earwax buildup leads to infection, symptoms may worsen and include severe ear pain that does not subside and fever. Because these symptoms may overlap with other ear conditions, medical evaluation is recommended.

Treatment Options for Earwax Removal

To diagnose earwax buildup, your doctor will examine your ear using an otoscope, a specialized magnifying instrument. Once diagnosed, earwax may be safely removed using one or more methods, including:


  • A small curved instrument called a curette


  • Suction


  • Flushing the ear with warm water or a water pick
     

If earwax buildup is a recurring issue, wax-removal medications may be recommended.


For patients with healthy ears and no ear tubes or perforations, at-home treatments may help manage mild buildup. A few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or hydrogen peroxide may be placed in the ear canal to soften wax.


Once softened—after an hour or several days—the wax can be gently flushed using a rubber-bulb syringe and warm water. Afterward, the ear should be dried with a towel. This process may be repeated until the wax is removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it safe to remove earwax at home?

    At-home earwax removal may be safe for some individuals if the ear is healthy and free of tubes or perforations. However, improper techniques can push wax deeper and cause blockage or injury.

  • Should I use cotton swabs to clean my ears?

    No. Cotton swabs often push earwax further into the ear canal and increase the risk of blockage or injury.

  • When should I see a doctor for earwax removal?

    You should see a doctor if you experience hearing loss, ear pain, fullness, tinnitus, or if at-home methods are not effective.

Call Allergy & ENT Associates at (615) 889-8802 to learn more or schedule an appointment.