Most people think earwax is something to clean out - but the truth is, your ears are designed to clean themselves. When earwax builds up too much and gets stuck, that’s when problems start. This is called earwax impaction, or cerumen blockage. It’s not rare. About 6 in every 100 people deal with it. For those over 65, it’s even more common - nearly 1 in 7. And if you wear hearing aids? Your risk jumps to about 1 in 3.
What Does Earwax Impaction Feel Like?
It doesn’t always hurt. But when it does, you’ll notice it. The most common sign is hearing loss - not sudden, but slow. You might find yourself turning up the TV or asking people to repeat themselves. That’s because the wax is physically blocking sound from reaching your eardrum.
Other signs include:
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in your ear
- Earache or discomfort
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Itching inside the ear
- Odd drainage or smell coming from the ear
- Even a persistent cough - yes, that’s real. The nerve that runs through your ear can trigger coughing when irritated by wax
These symptoms don’t show up overnight. They usually build over a week or two. And most people have at least two of them together. If you’ve been using cotton swabs and suddenly feel worse, that’s a red flag.
Why Do People Get Impacted Earwax?
It’s not about being dirty. It’s about how you try to fix it.
The biggest cause? Cotton swabs. They sound harmless - but when you stick one in your ear, you’re not cleaning. You’re pushing wax deeper. Studies show 60 to 70% of earwax blockages caused by people trying to clean their ears are actually made worse by swabs.
Other common reasons:
- Wearing hearing aids - they block the natural exit path for wax
- Having lots of ear hair - especially in men over 50
- Abnormal ear canal shape - some people are just born with narrower canals
- Age - as we get older, earwax gets drier and harder to move out
And here’s the twist: you can have wax in your ear and feel nothing. About 1 in 3 people have visible wax during routine exams - but no symptoms. That’s not impaction. That’s normal. Only when it causes problems does it need treatment.
What Not to Do: The Dangerous Myths
There are a lot of bad ideas floating around. And they’re not just useless - they’re dangerous.
Ear candling - the practice of sticking a lit, hollow candle in your ear - is a scam. The FDA has warned about it for years. Between 2018 and 2022, over 12,500 ear injuries were linked to ear candles. That includes 3,000 cases of perforated eardrums. No, it doesn’t “suck out” wax. It just leaves behind candle wax in your ear.
Home suction devices - those little gadgets sold online - are risky. They’re not regulated. People use them without knowing how much pressure is safe. Result? Torn eardrums, infections, worse blockages.
Ear scoops - yes, TikTok is full of them. Videos showing people pulling out huge chunks of wax with metal tools. Those aren’t professionals. Those are amateurs. And the videos have over 1.2 billion views. That’s terrifying.
If you have a history of ear surgery, a perforated eardrum, or ear tubes - skip all home remedies. Go straight to a doctor.
What Actually Works: Safe Removal Methods
There are three proven ways to get rid of impacted earwax - and two of them you can do at home, safely.
1. Soften It First (At Home)
Start with oil. Not hydrogen peroxide. Not water. Just plain oil.
Use olive oil, almond oil (if you’re not allergic), or mineral oil. Put 2 to 3 drops in your ear, lie on your side for 5 to 10 minutes, then sit up and let it drain. Do this 3 to 4 times a day for 3 to 5 days.
Why oil? It gently softens the wax so your body can push it out naturally. Studies show this works about 58% of the time. It’s safe, cheap, and doesn’t irritate.
Some people use over-the-counter drops like Debrox or Murine. These contain carbamide peroxide. They work a bit faster - about 65% effective after 4 days. But they can sting. If your ear feels irritated, stop.
2. Professional Removal (Clinic)
If the oil doesn’t help after a week, or if you have pain, dizziness, or hearing loss - see a professional. Here’s what they do:
- Manual removal - an ENT doctor uses a tiny tool called a curette to gently scoop out the wax. It’s quick, precise, and 92% effective in one visit.
- Ear irrigation - warm water or saline is gently flushed into the ear. It’s 85% effective. But if you’ve ever had a ruptured eardrum, this isn’t safe for you.
- Microsuction - this is the gold standard. A small vacuum device removes wax under direct vision. No water. No pressure. Just clean, quiet removal. It’s 96% effective with almost no side effects. Most patients say their hearing improves immediately.
These procedures take 15 to 20 minutes. Most people walk out with better hearing and no pain. In fact, 93% of patients who get professional removal report relief from pressure, and 89% say their hearing came back fast.
3. For Complex Cases
If the wax is rock hard, or if you have narrow canals or past ear surgeries, doctors may use an endoscope - a tiny camera with a light. This lets them see everything. Success rate? Nearly 99%. It’s not common, but when you need it, it’s life-changing.
What Do Experts Say?
Doctors are united on one thing: don’t stick anything in your ear.
Dr. Seth Schwartz from the University of Washington says: “Attempting home removal of impacted cerumen increases complication risk by 300% compared to professional management.”
Dr. William Luxford from the House Clinic puts it bluntly: “The ear is a self-cleaning organ. 90% of impaction cases result from well-intentioned but misguided cleaning attempts.”
And here’s the kicker: you don’t need to clean your ears at all. Your ear canal has a natural conveyor belt. Skin cells move outward, carrying wax with them. Jaw movement - chewing, talking - helps push it out. You don’t need to help.
How to Prevent It
Stop using cotton swabs. Seriously. That’s it.
If you wear hearing aids, clean them regularly. Wax can build up on the device and get pushed back in.
After showering, gently wipe the outer ear with a damp cloth. Don’t go inside.
If you’re prone to wax buildup - say, you’ve had it before - use oil drops once a week as maintenance. Just 2 drops. That’s enough to keep things moving.
When to See a Doctor
Call a doctor if:
- Your hearing is noticeably worse
- You have ear pain or pressure that doesn’t go away
- You feel dizzy or off-balance
- You notice discharge or odor from your ear
- You’ve tried oil for 5 days and nothing changed
- You have a history of ear surgery, perforated eardrums, or tubes
Don’t wait until it hurts. If you’re unsure, get it checked. It’s a simple, quick visit. No needles. No surgery. Just a look and a fix.
What About Over-the-Counter Kits?
They’re okay for mild buildup - but not for impaction. If you have symptoms, don’t rely on them. The instructions on these kits are often unclear. One study found their written guides scored 68 out of 100 on clarity. Medical guidelines score 92.
And never use them if you’re unsure about your ear health. Better safe than sorry.
Final Thoughts
Earwax isn’t the enemy. Trying to remove it yourself is.
Your ears know how to take care of themselves. All they need is space - and no cotton swabs. If wax builds up and causes symptoms, professional removal is safe, fast, and effective. Microsuction, in particular, is the most reliable option with almost no risk.
And if you’re tempted by a viral video showing someone pulling out a huge chunk of wax? Don’t. That’s not cleaning. That’s damage waiting to happen.
Can earwax impaction cause permanent hearing loss?
No, earwax impaction doesn’t cause permanent hearing loss. The hearing loss it causes is temporary and fully reversible once the wax is removed. However, if left untreated for a long time, it can lead to infections or damage to the eardrum - which, in rare cases, might result in lasting hearing problems. That’s why it’s important to get it checked if symptoms last more than a few days.
Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide to remove earwax?
Hydrogen peroxide can help soften earwax, but it’s not the best choice. It’s only about 52% effective and can irritate the skin inside your ear. About 15% of users report stinging, itching, or even minor burns. For most people, plain oil - like olive or mineral oil - works just as well without the risk. If you do use peroxide, don’t use it more than once or twice, and never if you have ear tubes or a history of eardrum damage.
Why does my ear itch when I have earwax buildup?
Itching happens because the wax is pressing against sensitive skin inside the ear canal. It can also trap moisture, creating a damp environment that irritates the skin or leads to mild fungal growth. This is different from an infection - but if itching is severe or accompanied by discharge, you should see a doctor to rule out otitis externa (swimmer’s ear).
Can children get earwax impaction?
Yes, children can get earwax impaction, especially if they use cotton swabs or wear hearing aids for hearing loss. Kids’ ear canals are smaller, so even a little wax can block sound. Parents should never try to clean inside their child’s ear. If a child is pulling at their ear, not responding to sounds, or seems irritable, have a pediatrician or ENT check their ears.
How often should I get my ears checked for wax buildup?
If you don’t have symptoms, you don’t need regular checkups. But if you wear hearing aids, have had earwax impaction before, or are over 65, it’s smart to get your ears checked once a year. Your doctor can spot buildup early and advise on preventive drops. No need to clean unless it’s causing problems.
Are earwax removal services covered by insurance?
Yes, most insurance plans cover professional earwax removal when done by a doctor or audiologist - especially if it’s causing symptoms like hearing loss or pain. It’s usually billed as an office visit or minor procedure. Check with your provider, but in most cases, you’ll pay only your copay. Avoid non-medical “ear cleaning” spas - they’re not covered and aren’t medically trained.
Can earwax cause dizziness?
Yes, earwax can cause dizziness. The inner ear controls balance, and when wax presses against the eardrum or inner ear structures, it can disrupt signals to the brain. This is more common in older adults and usually goes away after the wax is removed. If dizziness lasts longer than a day or comes with nausea or vertigo, see a doctor to rule out other causes like inner ear infections.
What’s the difference between earwax impaction and an ear infection?
Earwax impaction is a physical blockage - the ear canal is full of hardened wax. An ear infection - like otitis media or otitis externa - is caused by bacteria or fungi. Symptoms can overlap: pain, hearing loss, fullness. But infections often come with fever, pus, redness, or swelling. Only a doctor can tell the difference with an otoscope. Never assume it’s just wax - if symptoms get worse or you feel sick, get checked.