Earwax may not be the most glamorous topic, but it plays an important role in keeping your ears healthy. Unlike your teeth, skin, or feet, your ear canals generally don’t need routine deep cleaning. In fact, the ears have a natural self-cleaning system that gradually moves old wax toward the opening of the ear, where it can flake away or be washed off during bathing. (AAO-HNS)
So, is earwax bad? Usually, no. Earwax—also called cerumen—is a normal and protective substance. The problem arises when too much builds up and becomes impacted. Cerumen impaction is estimated to affect about 5% of healthy adults, 10% of children, and as many as 57% of older adults living in nursing homes. (AAFP)
Here’s what you should know about when earwax is helpful, when it can become a problem, and when it’s time to seek professional help.
What Exactly Is Cerumen?
Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is produced by glands in the skin of the ear canal. It is made up of glandular secretions, shed skin cells, and other natural materials.
Far from being a sign of poor hygiene, earwax serves several useful purposes. It helps protect, lubricate, and clean the ear canal. Its sticky consistency can trap dust, dirt, and other particles, helping prevent them from traveling farther into the ear. It also helps maintain the skin of the ear canal and provides a natural defense against irritation and infection. (AAFP)
In other words, a little earwax is not something your ears need you to eliminate—it’s part of their built-in defense system.
Do You Need to Clean Your Ears?
For most people, routine cleaning inside the ear canal isn’t necessary. Your ears are designed to take care of this themselves.
Everyday activities such as chewing and talking move the jaw, while the natural growth of skin inside the ear canal helps gradually propel older wax toward the ear opening. Once there, it can naturally fall away or be removed during normal bathing. (AAO-HNS)
That means there’s generally no need to put cotton swabs or other objects into your ear canal to keep it clean. In fact, trying to remove wax too aggressively can push it deeper into the canal, irritate the delicate skin, and potentially contribute to impaction. (AAFP)
You can gently clean the outside of your ears with a washcloth, but leave the ear canal itself alone unless your healthcare provider recommends otherwise.
When Earwax Becomes a Problem
Although earwax is beneficial, it can occasionally accumulate faster than the ear can naturally remove it. When wax blocks the ear canal, it is known as cerumen impaction.
Certain factors can make buildup more likely, including:
- Cotton swabs and other objects: These can push wax farther into the ear canal instead of removing it.
- Hearing aids and earplugs: Devices that sit in or around the ear canal can interfere with the normal movement of wax and contribute to buildup.
- Naturally producing more wax: Some people simply make more earwax than others.
- Changes in the ear canal: Anatomical differences or narrowing of the canal can make it harder for wax to escape naturally. (AAFP)
The takeaway: more cleaning isn’t necessarily better. The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery specifically advises against overcleaning because it can irritate the ear canal and may increase the risk of problems. (AAO-HNS)
Signs You May Have Impacted Earwax
Not every buildup of earwax needs to be removed. Treatment is generally considered when wax causes symptoms or prevents a healthcare professional from properly examining the ear. (AAFP)
Possible signs of impacted earwax include:
- Muffled hearing or hearing loss
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Earache or discomfort
- Itching
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or a sensation of imbalance
- Unusual odor or discharge
- Changes in how a hearing aid functions (AAO-HNS)
Complete blockage can cause a temporary reduction in hearing. In some cases, removing impacted wax can significantly improve hearing—for example, one study cited by the American Academy of Family Physicians found that 75% of older hospitalized patients with hearing impairment and cerumen impaction experienced improved hearing after wax removal. (AAFP)
Don’t Dig for the Wax
Cotton swabs may seem like the obvious solution, but they can do more harm than good when inserted into the ear canal. They can push wax deeper, scratch the delicate skin, or, if inserted too far, injure the eardrum. (AAFP)
The same caution applies to objects such as hairpins, paper clips, or other items that are sometimes used to remove wax. Ear candles should also be avoided; there is no good evidence that they safely remove impacted wax, and they can cause injury. (AAO-HNS)
If you think you have a wax blockage, it’s better to ask a healthcare professional about the safest removal option for you.
When to Leave Earwax Removal to a Professional
If you have significant wax buildup, persistent hearing changes, pain, or other concerning symptoms, a primary care clinician or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist can examine your ears and determine whether wax is the cause.
Depending on your situation, treatment may involve irrigation, earwax-softening drops, or manual removal with appropriate instruments. Not every method is appropriate for every person, particularly those with certain ear conditions or a history of ear surgery. (AAFP)
It’s especially important to seek medical evaluation if you have ear pain, bleeding, or drainage, because these symptoms may indicate something other than simple earwax buildup. (AAO-HNS)
When in Doubt, Ask
Earwax is usually a helpful part of your ear’s natural defense system—not something you need to remove on a regular schedule. For most people, the best approach is simple: let your ears do their job, clean only the outer ear, and avoid putting objects into the ear canal.
If you notice muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness, ringing, or other changes that make you suspect an earwax blockage, talk with a healthcare professional before trying to remove it yourself.
Our team is here to help you keep your ears healthy and your hearing clear. If you’re experiencing unusual hearing changes or suspect an earwax blockage, reach out to us to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists.
Sources:
- American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Clinical Practice Guideline: Earwax (Cerumen Impaction) (AAO-HNS)
- American Academy of Family Physicians, Cerumen Impaction: Diagnosis and Management (AAFP)
The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized advice or treatment, please consult a qualified healthcare professional or schedule an appointment.