From time to time earwax can interfere with everyday hearing. This can be removed from the ear canal so it does not interfere with listening or comfort, especially for individuals who wear hearing aids.
There are some ways to remove earwax, like going to an Doctor of Audiology - in this case, the Pennsylvania Ear Institute - where this can be done safely. Other ways involve earwax removal tools which may not be so safe.
Below are a series of questions and answers with Dr. Lindsay Bondurant an audiologist at the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI), to better understand if self removal tools for ear wax may be doing more harm than good:
Q: What is earwax and why does it build up in the ear canal?
Dr. Bondurant: Contrary to popular belief, earwax is completely normal and actually serves several important functions: it lubricates the delicate skin of the ear canal; it captures dust, sand, and other small particles before they can travel to the eardrum; it is distasteful to insects and other creepy-crawlies; and it can help prevent infections. For most people, their best bet is to leave the earwax alone and it will work itself out naturally! Any wax seen at the edge of the ear canal can be cleaned with a damp washcloth.
Q: Can using earwax removal tools at home cause damage to the ear canal or eardrum?
Dr. Bondurant: Absolutely. The skin of the ear canal is delicate and can be scraped, scratched, or burned during cleaning. Additionally, tools used for at-home cleaning can slip and puncture the eardrum.
Q: Are there specific types of earwax removal tools that are more dangerous than others?
Dr. Bondurant: Anything that is small enough to fit into the ear canal, such as cotton swabs and earwax picks, can cause damage. These objects can also push wax further into the ear canal, causing the obstruction to get worse instead of better. Additionally, anything that gets hot, such as an “ear candle,” can cause burns to the ear canal or eardrum in addition to being a fire hazard for hair and clothing (not to mention being ineffective).
Q: What are the signs that someone has damaged their ear while using a removal tool?
Dr. Bondurant: Pain would be the first indication that damage has been done. Another indicator would be difficulty hearing after the procedure; this could be caused by an eardrum perforation, an infection, or earwax that has become more impacted after being pushed further into the ear canal.
Q: How can using earwax removal tools lead to ear infections?
Dr. Bondurant: At-home tools are often not sterile, which can expose the ear canal to bacteria and fungi that otherwise would not have caused a problem. This issue becomes more problematic when the cleaning process causes scrapes, scratches, burns or punctures, because an infection would be more likely.
Q: What alternative methods do you recommend for safely removing earwax at home?
Dr. Bondurant: There are over-the-counter earwax removal kits that include a solution that softens and loosens the wax, which then can be flushed out of the ear canal. These kits are generally considered safe for people with no pre-existing issues such as an eardrum perforation or history of ear surgery. When in doubt, ask your physician or audiologist if this option might work for you.
Q: Is it safer to have earwax removed by a professional, and how often should this be done?
Dr. Bondurant: Having earwax removed by a professional would be safer than any at-home remedy that involves placing an object of any kind into the ear canal. Many primary care providers, audiologists, and Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physicians have been trained in earwax removal. The frequency of this type of cleaning depends on each individual– some people never experience excessive earwax, and other people come in a few times a year for cleanings.
If you may be experiencing discomfort from earwax and believe that you may need an earwax removal, the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) offers earwax removal services. To make an appointment call 215.780.3180.