Earwax is normal. It protects the ear canal and usually moves out of the ear on its own.
It only needs treatment when it causes symptoms or blocks examination of the ear.
Common symptoms of impacted earwax
- Blocked or full feeling in the ear
- Reduced or muffled hearing
- Itching
- Mild discomfort
- Tinnitus
- Hearing aid problems
What can you do at home?
If you do not have a known hole in the eardrum, ear tubes, previous ear surgery, or an active ear infection or ear discharge, you may try earwax-softening drops.
If you have any of these, do not use ear drops unless advised by a clinician.
Options include:
- Mineral oil
- Olive oil
- Commercial earwax-softening drops, such as carbamide peroxide drops (for example Debrox) — an example of this type of product rather than a recommendation, and equivalent drops may be used
Use according to the product instructions or your clinician’s advice.
What should you avoid?
Do not insert cotton swabs, hairpins, keys, or other objects into the ear canal.
These often push wax deeper and can injure the ear canal or eardrum.
Do not use ear candles to remove earwax. They have no proven benefit and can cause injury.
When should earwax be removed professionally?
Arrange assessment if:
- Hearing remains reduced
- The ear feels completely blocked
- There is significant pain
- There is ear discharge or bleeding
- You have a hearing aid and wax is affecting its function
- Home treatment has not helped
- You have previous ear surgery, a known eardrum perforation, or ear tubes
Wax can be removed using suction, instruments, or irrigation depending on the ear and the type of wax.
Important: Ear blockage and hearing loss are not always caused by earwax. Persistent or one-sided symptoms should be assessed.