Is It Necessary That I Remove Wax From My Ears?


September 9, 1997

The sticky yellow substance we call ear wax is excreted by glands in the ear canal and is composed primarily of a lipid - an organic compound that won't dissolve in water.

Besides waterproofing and keeping the ear canal clean by catching dust particles, the wax is acidic enough to prevent bacteria.

The ear needs a thin coating of wax, but people who produce too much wax can suffer from several problems, including clogged ear canals, pain, ear infections and even temporary hearing loss.

Ear wax should be cleaned out only when those symptoms occur. Otherwise, the wax slowly and naturally works itself out of the ear, taking with it contaminants such as dead skin and hair.

The safest way to remove wax is to visit a doctor, who can suck out the ear wax by using tiny suction tips attached to a vacuum.

At home, most people never need to clean out their ears with anything but a wet cloth when the wax moves out of the ear.

Cotton tips should not be used because they can pack wax against the ear drum, which can cause infections and pain.

Softening drops, baby oil and peroxide, all sold in drugstores, can be used, some doctors say. The oils penetrate the wax, softening it and making it easier to wipe out. This is the safest at-home procedure, but only if users are positive they don't have a hole in their ear drum. If they do, wax and bacteria could be carried through the hole, creating serious problems in the middle ear.

Orlando Sentinel Articles