What should you know about safe ear wax removal at home?

Ear wax normally traps dust and helps protect the ear canal. A plug can cause muffled hearing, pressure, itching, ringing in the ears or an earache. Similar symptoms can come from infection, a foreign object or another ear problem, so wax should not be assumed to be the cause when symptoms are new or severe.

Cotton buds, hairpins and other objects can push wax deeper, scratch the canal or injure the eardrum. Candling is also unsafe and does not reliably remove a blockage. People with a hole in the eardrum, ear tubes, previous ear surgery or active ear infection should get advice before using drops.

Ask a pharmacist or clinician about an appropriate wax-softening drop, and follow its instructions. Keep the bottle tip out of the ear and stop if pain, dizziness or irritation develops. Do not flush the ear unless a professional has confirmed that irrigation is suitable for you. If hearing remains reduced or the blockage is uncomfortable, arrange clinical removal; a trained service may use direct vision, irrigation when appropriate or an ear microsuction device.

Arrange prompt assessment for ear pain, discharge, bleeding, sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, fever or new one-sided ringing. Seek urgent help for sudden major hearing loss or severe spinning with neurological symptoms. Do not continue home treatment when symptoms are worsening or the diagnosis is uncertain.

Ask whether wax is blocking the canal, whether drops are safe with your ear history, which removal method fits you, and when hearing should be checked after removal.