Good ear wax removal products: what to know

Earwax protects the ear canal, but a buildup can block sound and cause fullness, reduced hearing, ringing or discomfort. Those symptoms can also come from infection, a foreign body or another ear problem, so treatment should match the cause. Drops soften wax; they do not remove every blockage.

Ask a pharmacist or clinician which softening drops suit you, then follow the label. Do not put liquids in an ear with a known or suspected hole in the eardrum, recent ear surgery or ear tubes unless a clinician approves it. Never insert objects into the canal. If drops do not help, professional ear wax removal may use irrigation or microsuction after the ear is examined.

Arrange an examination for earache, discharge, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, severe ringing or symptoms affecting one ear. Seek urgent help for sudden hearing loss, severe vertigo, facial weakness or an injury involving the ear. Do not assume these symptoms are wax.

Ask whether wax is blocking the canal, whether drops are safe for your eardrum and which removal method is appropriate. Ask when hearing should be checked again if it remains reduced after wax is removed.