How Much Earwax Is Too Much?

Posted on by ENT & Allergy Specialists - Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons

Though commonly mistaken as a sign of poor hygiene, the presence of earwax is crucial for the health of the ear. However, it is possible for too much earwax to be present. We answer the question of how much earwax is too much below.

Earwax’s Essential Jobs

Illustration of earwax in the ear canal.

Earwax has several essential jobs:

  1. Trapping dirt, germs and other debris
  2. Preventing the skin within the ear canal from drying out
  3. Protecting the ear canal from irritation when water enters the ear

Signs You Have Too Much Earwax

It’s not true that simply seeing earwax in your ear canals means you have too much. Instead, you’ll know you have a buildup of wax if you experience:

  • Earache
  • Itchy ear
  • Odor coming from the ear
  • Feeling of fullness in the ear
  • Hearing loss
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Dizziness

How You Can Remove Earwax at Home

Never try toremove earwax by sticking a Q-tip, hair pin, tweezers or other object into the ear canal. Not only will you most likely push wax further in, you also risk puncturing your eardrum.

You should also avoid ear candling, which has not been scientifically shown to be effective, and puts you at risk of a burn.

Instead, follow these steps:

  • Purchase over-the-counter eardrops at your local pharmacy
  • Apply them as directed
  • Wait a day or two for the eardrops to soften the wax
  • Irrigate your ears in the shower or using a bulb syringe
  • Be sure to use room temperature water to prevent dizziness
  • Drain water by tipping your head to one side or by running a hairdryer aimed at your ear set to the lowest, coolest setting

When to See a Doctor

If you’ve tried these steps and are still experiencing the symptoms listed above, you should schedule an appointment with an expert at ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons to have excess earwax professionally removed. An ENT physician may use a combination of:

  • Irrigation
  • Suction
  • Curette

Be sure to follow any aftercare instructions carefully.

Preventing Earwax Buildup

Those most at risk of earwax buildup are those who wear earbuds or hearing aids regularly. If you wear hearing aids, you may need to see an ENT doctor regularly to have your ears cleaned.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to have your ears safely and professionally cleaned, call ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons today.