HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING HAS ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT EARWAX.
What are the best ways to manage ear wax build-up?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. LeWine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
You can place any of several substances into the ear canal to help soften hardened wax for easier removal. For example, commercial over-the-counter ear drops, hydrogen peroxide, baby oil, and mineral oil are safe. (Note: If you use hydrogen peroxide, follow with a rubbing alcohol rinse to dry up any leftover liquid.) However, they should not be used if you have an active ear infection or a perforated eardrum, or if you’ve had surgery on the ear.
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What are the causes and symptoms of ear wax build-up?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. LeWine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
Some people naturally produce a lot of wax, leading to buildup. Wearing a hearing aid can easily stop earwax from flowing out naturally. Using a cotton swab to clean your ear can push the wax farther into the ear canal, where it accumulates and hardens, especially if you have a narrow or hairy canal. Hardened earwax can cause discomfort, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). It sometimes makes hearing aids malfunction.
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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.