Most people think earwax is dirt that needs to be cleaned out. But your ears make wax for a reason - it traps dust, protects the skin inside, and keeps bacteria away. The problem isn’t the wax itself. It’s when it builds up too much and gets stuck. That’s called earwax impaction. And it’s more common than you think.
What Exactly Is Earwax Impaction?
Earwax impaction, or cerumen impaction, happens when earwax hardens and blocks the ear canal. It’s not just a little buildup. It’s enough to press against the eardrum or block sound from getting through. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, about 6% of adults deal with this at some point. For people over 65, that number jumps to 14%. If you wear hearing aids, your risk goes up even more - nearly 4 in 10 users end up with impacted wax. The real issue? Most people make it worse. They stick cotton swabs, bobby pins, or even ear candles into their ears trying to fix it. Instead of removing the wax, they push it deeper. The NHS reports that 60-70% of impaction cases are caused by these kinds of attempts. Your ear is designed to clean itself. The wax naturally moves out over time. You don’t need to dig for it.How Do You Know You Have an Impaction?
Symptoms don’t always show up right away. They build slowly over days or weeks. You might not notice until your hearing feels muffled or your ear starts to ache. Here are the most common signs:- Hearing loss - especially in one ear (reported in 65% of cases)
- Feeling like your ear is full or plugged
- Ear pain or pressure
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Itching or irritation inside the ear
- Odd smell or drainage from the ear
- A sudden cough - yes, really. Wax touching the nerve in the ear canal can trigger it
What Makes It Worse?
Some people are just more likely to get impacted wax. Age is a big factor. As you get older, earwax gets drier and harder to move out. Men over 50 with thick ear hair are also at higher risk - the hair traps wax and keeps it from falling out naturally. Hearing aids are another major cause. They block the ear canal, so wax can’t escape. People who use them regularly are 35-40% more likely to need professional removal. Even earbuds can contribute if worn for hours every day. And then there’s anatomy. Some people have narrow, curved, or oddly shaped ear canals. That makes it harder for wax to exit on its own. If you’ve had ear infections or surgery in the past, your risk goes up too.
What NOT to Do
Let’s be clear: don’t stick anything in your ear. That includes cotton swabs. That includes ear candles. That includes those little scoops you see on TikTok. Cotton swabs push wax deeper. They don’t remove it. In fact, Reddit users who tried swabbing reported worsening symptoms in 74% of cases within 48 hours. Some even ended up in the ER. Ear candles? They’re dangerous and illegal to sell as medical devices in the U.S. since 2010. The FDA says they’ve caused over 12,500 ear injuries between 2018 and 2022 - including 3,000 perforated eardrums. No heat, no suction, no magic wax removal. Just burns, blockages, and broken eardrums. Even home suction devices sold online are risky. They lack pressure controls. You can easily damage the ear canal or rupture the eardrum if you’re not trained.What Actually Works
There are three safe, proven ways to treat earwax impaction. And they all start with one rule: see a professional. 1. Softeners (First Step)If the wax is hard, you can soften it at home before seeing a doctor. Use a few drops of olive oil, mineral oil, or baby oil in the ear. Gently lie on your side for 5-10 minutes so it soaks in. Do this 3-4 times a day for 3-5 days. The NHS recommends this as a first step. It works about 58% of the time. Carbamide peroxide drops (like Debrox) are slightly more effective - around 65% - but can irritate sensitive skin. 2. Professional Removal
After softening, or if symptoms are severe, you need a clinician. There are three main methods:
- Manual removal - An ENT uses a small curette or forceps to gently scoop out the wax. It’s 92% effective in one visit. Quick. No water. No mess.
- Irrigation - Warm water or saline is gently flushed into the ear. It works 85% of the time. But it’s not safe if you’ve had ear surgery, a perforated eardrum, or an infection.
- Microsuction - This is the gold standard. A tiny vacuum removes wax under direct vision using a microscope. It’s 96% effective, nearly painless, and has almost no side effects. Most patients say their hearing improves instantly.
If the wax is deeply packed or the ear canal is narrow, an endoscope may be used. At Cedars-Sinai, this method has a 99.2% success rate. It’s rare, but it’s available when needed.
When to See a Doctor
You don’t need to wait until you’re in pain. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above - especially hearing loss, dizziness, or drainage - schedule a checkup. Don’t wait. Delaying treatment can lead to infection or permanent hearing damage. Also, if you’ve had ear surgery, a perforated eardrum, or a condition like diabetes, never try home remedies. Your risk of complications is too high. Go straight to a professional.
What About Prevention?
The best way to avoid impaction is to leave your ears alone. Don’t clean inside them. Just wipe the outer part with a damp cloth after showering. If you use hearing aids or earbuds daily, consider using a softener once a week as a precaution. Olive oil drops, 2-3 drops per ear, once or twice a week, can help keep wax soft and moving. And if you’ve had impaction before, talk to your doctor about a maintenance plan. Some people need professional cleaning every 6-12 months. That’s normal. It’s not a sign of poor hygiene. It’s just how your body works.Why This Matters
Earwax impaction isn’t just about hearing. It affects balance, sleep, mood, and even social life. People with untreated blockages often withdraw from conversations because they can’t hear clearly. They feel frustrated. Isolated. Embarrassed. The good news? It’s easy to fix - if you do it right. Professional removal takes 15-20 minutes. Most people feel better immediately. No recovery time. No downtime. And here’s the biggest myth busted: You don’t need to clean your ears daily. You don’t need special tools. You don’t need to buy expensive kits. Your ears are designed to take care of themselves. All you need to do is stop interfering.Final Thought
If you’ve ever stuck a cotton swab in your ear and thought, “That felt good,” you’re not alone. But that feeling? It’s a trap. You’re not cleaning - you’re pushing. And you’re risking more than just wax buildup. The safest thing you can do for your ears is nothing. Let them work. And if something feels off - get it checked. No shame. No guesswork. Just a quick visit to a professional who knows exactly what to do.Can earwax impaction cause permanent hearing loss?
No, not if treated in time. Impacted earwax causes temporary hearing loss by blocking sound from reaching the eardrum. Once the wax is removed, hearing usually returns to normal. But if left untreated for a long time, it can lead to infections or damage to the ear canal, which might cause lasting issues. That’s why it’s important to get it checked early.
Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide for earwax removal?
Hydrogen peroxide can soften wax, but it’s not the best choice. It’s only about 52% effective and can irritate the skin inside the ear. About 15% of users report burning or itching after using it. If you do use it, dilute it with equal parts water and only use it for a few days. Never use it if you have a perforated eardrum or an ear infection. Olive oil or mineral oil are safer and just as effective.
Can I remove earwax at home without seeing a doctor?
You can try softening it with oil drops, but you shouldn’t try to physically remove it yourself. Tools like cotton swabs, picks, or suction devices often make the problem worse. If symptoms don’t improve after 5 days of oil drops, or if you have pain, dizziness, or drainage, see a professional. Home removal attempts increase complication risk by 300%, according to experts.
Why do some people get earwax impaction more than others?
Several factors make some people more prone. Age is the biggest - wax gets drier and harder as you get older. Hearing aid users are at higher risk because the devices block the natural exit path. People with narrow or curved ear canals, thick ear hair, or a history of ear infections are also more likely to develop impaction. Genetics can play a role too - some people just produce more wax than others.
How often should I get my ears professionally cleaned?
Most people never need it. Your ears clean themselves. But if you’ve had impaction before, use hearing aids, or have narrow ear canals, you might need cleaning every 6 to 12 months. There’s no set rule - it depends on your body. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure. Don’t schedule cleanings just because you think you should. Only do it if you have symptoms or your doctor recommends it.
Are over-the-counter earwax removal kits worth it?
The softener drops in kits like Debrox or Murine are fine to use as a first step. But the tools that come with them - like syringes or picks - are not recommended. They’re designed for home use, but most people don’t use them correctly. The American Academy of Otolaryngology says these kits often lead to more visits to the doctor because they cause injury or push wax deeper. Stick to oil drops and skip the tools.
Can earwax impaction cause tinnitus?
Yes. When wax presses against the eardrum or the nerves in the ear canal, it can trigger ringing in the ears - known as tinnitus. This happens in about 29% of impaction cases. The good news? The ringing usually stops once the wax is removed. If it continues after cleaning, you should see an audiologist to rule out other causes like noise damage or inner ear issues.
What’s the difference between earwax impaction and an ear infection?
Impaction is a blockage caused by hardened wax. An infection - like otitis externa - is caused by bacteria or fungi growing in the ear canal. Both can cause pain and hearing loss, but infections often come with redness, swelling, pus, fever, or a foul smell. If you’re not sure, a doctor can tell the difference with an otoscope. Never assume it’s just wax - misdiagnosis happens in about 22% of cases.
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Caspian Fothergill
Hello, my name is Caspian Fothergill. I am a pharmaceutical expert with years of experience in the industry. My passion for understanding the intricacies of medication and their effects on various diseases has led me to write extensively on the subject. I strive to help people better understand their medications and how they work to improve overall health. Sharing my knowledge and expertise through writing allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
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