What to Do (and Not Do) If Your Ears Are Blocked With Wax

An ear wax blockage can affect your hearing or lead to an ear infection. It's not clear why ear wax blockages happen, but some people may just make too much ear wax. Your ears do need some wax in them because it protects the inner parts of the ear (like the eardrum) from debris, keeps the skin moist, and has infection-fighting properties. Under normal circumstances, the ear canal self-cleans, but there are times when the ear gets plugged up with wax.

This article will go over what to do—and not do—if you have an ear wax blockage. You’ll also learn why you probably won’t be able to get relief from an ear wax blockage on your own, and how your healthcare provider can help.

An ear wax blockage is generally not considered a medical emergency, but it’s best to have it removed by a healthcare provider who has experience treating disorders of the ears (such as an otolaryngologist or otologist).

A woman having her ears cleaned
Koichi Kamoshida / Getty Images

Soften Hard Earwax

There are over-the-counter (OTC) ear drops, such as Ceruminex and Murine, that use hydrogen peroxide or enzymes to soften and loosen ear wax so that it can come out. Your provider might want you to try these products to help soften up any ear wax and help make it easier to remove. 

However, the disadvantages of using these products are that they usually only work for small blockages and they are not safe to use if your eardrum has ruptured. Research also has not shown that certain products or ingredients are better or worse than any others—or even better than water—at removing ear wax.

Keep in mind that you do not want to use these drops often or to try to prevent blockages as your ears do need some wax to stay healthy.

Massage Your Ears

If your ears feel uncomfortably full of wax, you may naturally have the urge to massage your ears or the space behind them to ease the discomfort. While there's no formal research or recommendation about ear massaging for ear wax, you might find it helpful while you're waiting to see a provider for treatment.

To massage ear wax out or loosen the ear wax, try the following:

  • Place your pointer and middle fingers behind your ear lobe.
  • Press in and make slow circles.
  • Tip your head to one side to encourage the wax to drain.

Use a Bulb Syringe

A healthcare provider may use a syringe full of lukewarm water to flush the wax out of your ear. Many of the OTC ear wax treatment kits come with a soft bulb syringe that helps you easily irrigate your ear with water at home.

Sometimes, letting a little bit of water sit in the ear before irrigating will help loosen the wax. It should not hurt but you may feel a little dizzy or nauseated. One important job of your inner ear is helping you feel and stay physically balanced. Sometimes, putting water into your ear canal (especially if it’s too cold or hot) can temporarily disrupt the system.

Some healthcare providers use a water jet device such as a WaterPik for irrigation, but this is not the best method because it can cause discomfort and may damage the ear. Water irrigation should never be done if you have a ruptured ear drum because it can lead to an infection. 

Scooping Out Wax

A healthcare provider may opt to remove the wax by using a curette or a cerumen spoon. A curette looks like a tiny spoon with a long handle. With help from an otoscope or microscope so that they can see what they are doing, a provider uses the curette to scoop out excess ear wax. This strategy can be done in a provider’s office and is usually very effective and not uncomfortable.

Do not attempt to scoop out ear wax yourself. This method should only be used by a healthcare provider because there is a risk of injury (like perforating the ear drum).

What Not to Do

There are also some things that might be advertised or claimed to help with an ear wax blockage, but that could be unsafe.

  • Using cotton swabs or putting anything else in your ear: According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, you should avoid using a cotton swab or sharp object to try to remove wax yourself. You may push the wax down further in the ear, creating or worsening an ear wax blockage, or you may accidentally puncture the eardrum.
  • Ear candling: Ear candling is supposed to remove wax from the ear, but studies have shown that this method is not only ineffective but potentially dangerous. This is generally done with a long fabric cone. The small end is inserted in the ear and then a flame is used to draw out the wax.
  • Vacuum kits: Vacuuming or home suctioning devices are sold as "do-it-yourself kits. However, these methods have not been proven to be safe and effective, and they are not the same as the type of suctioning procedure a healthcare provider can do for ear wax removal.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you get ear wax blockages often, you should see a provider to have them removed safely and talk about steps you might be able to take to avoid them. 

A healthcare provider can look for an ear wax blockage using a special instrument such as an otoscope. The exam is usually not uncomfortable and lets your provider look into your ears to check for too much wax.

You should seek medical care right away if:

  • You have discharge from the ear that is pus-filled or bloody.
  • You notice a clear discharge from the ear after getting hit on the head.
  • You think your eardrum might be perforated.
  • Your hearing is reduced or you cannot hear at all.
  • There is swelling and redness behind the ear.
  • You or your child has a fever over 104 F.

If you think you or your child may have an ear infection but do not have these serious symptoms, call your provider and make an appointment to be seen or go to urgent care. 

Signs of a Ruptured Ear Drum

Signs of a ruptured ear drum include:

  • Pain or discomfort 
  • Buzzing or ringing in the ears
  • Loss of hearing 
  • Discharge from the ear (which can be bloody)

Prevention

Some people just make a lot of ear wax and blockages may happen. You may not always be able to avoid them, but there are some things your provider might recommend you try to prevent ear wax blockages. 

A 2005 study suggested that putting ceridal lipolotion (a lotion to treat dry skin) into the ear canal with a syringe once a week for 12 weeks may have helped prevent an ear wax blockage.

Some people suggest putting a few drops of clean baby oil, mineral oil, or olive oil in the ear three or four times a week. With this method, you put the drops in one ear and let the oil sit for a few minutes. Then, you lay down on a clean towel and let the excess run out. When you’re done, treat the other ear the same way. 

You can’t always prevent ear wax from building up and blocking your ears—especially if you’re just naturally prone to making more of it. While you should have enough wax in your ears to keep them healthy, you might be able to prevent too much from building up by:

  • Managing any conditions that you have (like disorders that cause skin flakiness) that could be contributing to excess ear wax
  • Asking your provider about using OTC drops other products to help keep your ears clean
  • Scheduling a regular ear cleaning with a specialist according to their recommendations 
  • Keeping any devices that go on or in your ear (like hearing aids or earbuds) clean

You should not use OTC products or home remedies for ear wax if you have or think that you have a ruptured eardrum.

Summary

An ear wax blockage can be uncomfortable, but there are strategies a provider can use to safely unclog your ears. You can’t always prevent a buildup of ear wax (especially if you’re prone to making too much of it). However, if you find yourself frequenting your provider’s office to have your ears cleaned out, talk to them about whether there are any at-home strategies you can try to prevent the buildup. 

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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Additional Reading
Kristin Hayes

By Kristin Hayes, RN
Kristin Hayes, RN, is a registered nurse specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders for both adults and children.