Safe and Effective Earwax Removal Methods You Should Know
For people dealing with earwax impaction, the symptoms can be annoying – especially if it’s affected your hearing or caused itching or dizziness. If you wear hearing aids, excess wax can also block the receivers and muffle sound. So let’s talk about how to remove earwax safely.
Table of contents
Here's a quick guide to the safest and most effective ways to manage and remove earwax.
TL;DR
1. How can I treat ear impaction?
6. Professional earwax removal
7. FAQ
8. Conclusion
What is the best method to treat earwax impaction?
The gold-standard for earwax removal is microsuction (Radford 2020). Microsuction involves a small suction catheter – like a vacuum cleaner – inserted into the ear canal to suck out the wax. A speculum is first placed to open up the canal and protect its sensitive lining.
Microsuction should not be painful, though it is noisy. There are minor risks such as scratching the ear canal or perforating the eardrum, so it’s important to stay still and let your practitioner know if anything is uncomfortable. If there are any scratches or bleeding, keep the ear dry for 3 days.
Other earwax removal methods
Ear syringing (or irrigation) is another method done at GP clinics. It involves flushing warm water into the ear with a syringe. While effective, it carries more risk than microsuction – particularly eardrum perforation and middle ear damage (Radford, 2020). About 1 in 1000 Australian patients experience major complications after syringing (Bird, 2003).
Because of these risks, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) ceased insurance coverage for nurses who perform ear syringing (ANMF, 2022).
If syringing is done while the eardrum is unknowingly perforated, it can push water and wax into the middle ear, potentially causing damage or infection. In contrast, microsuction only removes material from the canal and is safe even with a perforated eardrum or infection. It is also the safer choice for people with a history of ear surgery or outer ear infections, especially if there's discharge that needs clearing before medication can be effective.
What about ear candling?
Ear candling involves lighting one end of a hollow candle while the other end is placed in the ear canal. Despite claims it treats wax, tinnitus, flu, and more, there is no scientific evidence that it works (Zackaria & Aymat, 2009; Ernst, 2004). It also poses risks like burns and injuries. For these reasons, I do not recommend ear candling.
Can I use eardrops at home?
Pharmacy products like Waxol, EarClear, Cerumol, etc., can help soften wax, but often don’t remove it entirely if there's impaction. Clients often feel their hearing has improved, but a closer look reveals the wax is still there – just shifted or softened.
Softening wax before a removal appointment does help. My advice? A few drops of pantry olive oil at night for a few days beforehand works just as well as over-the-counter drops. If you suspect a perforated eardrum, 3% hydrogen peroxide is safe and effective.
How can I keep my ears clean at home?
Our ears are self-cleaning. Avoid cotton buds – they tend to push wax deeper or injure the ear canal. If you're a swimmer or get outer ear infections, make sure to dry your ears after water exposure using a hair dryer or drying drops like Aquaear or EarClear Swimmer's Drops.
If you regularly experience impaction, consider cleaning every 6–12 months. After that, 1–2 drops of olive oil at night weekly can help keep things soft and flowing.
Should I have a professional remove my earwax?
If earwax removal is necessary, the most effective and low-risk option is professional microsuction — a precise and gentle procedure carried out by audiologists using a small medical-grade suction device.
Read more about our earwax removal services in Hobart and how we can help you manage ear health safely.
Other common earwax removal questions you may have
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If you're experiencing symptoms such as reduced hearing, a blocked sensation in the ear, ringing, dizziness, or recurring ear discomfort, it's worth having your ears examined by an audiologist or GP. A visual inspection will determine whether earwax impaction is present and whether removal is necessary.
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Yes, hearing aids can contribute to wax build-up by interfering with the ear’s natural self-cleaning process. The presence of the device can push wax deeper into the canal or cause it to accumulate more quickly. Regular monitoring is advised for hearing aid users.
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Earwax removal is not typically covered under Medicare, but some private health insurance policies with extras cover may include it. It's best to check with your individual provider regarding your level of cover and any applicable rebates.
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Yes, excessive earwax can lead to irritation, ear infections, and even affect balance. In rare cases, it may also contribute to headaches or jaw discomfort due to pressure in the ear canal.
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Most microsuction appointments take around 40 minutes. This includes the initial examination, the procedure itself, and any aftercare advice.
Conclusion
Earwax is your body’s way of protecting one of its most delicate and vital systems. In most cases, it doesn’t need to be removed — and in fact, trying to clean your ears too much can lead to problems.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of an earwax blockage, don’t risk using DIY methods — instead, book an appointment with a qualified audiologist for safe and effective treatment.
References
1. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation - ANMF Tasmanian Branch (2022, June 8).
Important Information Professional Indemnity Insurance [Image attached][Status update].
Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=5453723418023297&set=a.573498182712536
2. Bird, S. (2003). The potential pitfalls of ear syringing. Minimising the risks. PubMed, 32(3),
150–151. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12666354
3. Ernst, E. (2004) ‘Ear Candles: A triumph of ignorance over science’, The Journal of
Laryngology & Otology, 118(1), pp. 1–2. doi:10.1258/002221504322731529.
4. Radford, J.C. (2020) ‘Treatment of impacted ear wax: A case for increased
community-based microsuction’, BJGP Open, 4(2). doi:10.3399/bjgpopen20x101064.
5. Zackaria, M. and Aymat, A. (2009) ‘Ear candling: A case report’, European Journal of General
Practice, 15(3), pp. 168–169. doi:10.3109/13814780903260756.