Earwax Removal: Why Cotton Swabs Make It Worse (and What Works Instead)
· Alexander Audiology
Earwax gets a bad reputation, but it’s actually doing a job. It traps dust and debris, helps keep the ear canal from drying out, and protects against infection. For most people, ears clean themselves: everyday jaw movement from talking and chewing slowly carries old wax out of the canal on its own.
Sometimes, though, wax builds up and causes problems. Here’s how to tell, and how to deal with it safely.
Why cotton swabs backfire
Cotton swabs feel like they’re cleaning, but in the canal they mostly act like a plunger. They push wax deeper, pack it against the eardrum, and can scratch the delicate skin of the canal. In the worst case, a swab can puncture the eardrum. They’re fine for the outer ear, but they shouldn’t go inside the canal.
Signs of an earwax blockage
- Muffled or reduced hearing, often in one ear
- A plugged or full feeling in the ear
- Earache or itching
- Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
- Dizziness
- Hearing aids that whistle, sound weak, or stop working
These symptoms can also have other causes, so if they don’t clear up, have your ears checked rather than guessing.
What’s safe to do at home
- Clean the outer ear only with a washcloth.
- Softening drops from the pharmacy can help with mild buildup. Skip them if you have, or might have, a hole in your eardrum, ear tubes, a history of ear surgery, or ear pain or drainage.
- Avoid ear candles. They don’t remove wax, and they can cause burns and blockages. Health authorities, including the FDA, have warned against them.
If drops don’t help within a few days, or you have pain, drainage, or a sudden change in hearing, it’s time for a professional.
Professional earwax removal
A clinician will first look in your ear with an otoscope to see what’s there and confirm which removal method is appropriate for your ear. Options include gentle water irrigation, suction, or small instruments, depending on the wax and the ear.
How the Earigator works
At Alexander Audiology we use the Earigator, a modern earwax irrigation system. Warm, temperature-controlled water gently flushes wax from the canal, far more comfortably than older syringing methods. Most appointments take 15 to 30 minutes, and many patients notice clearer hearing right away.
Irrigation isn’t right for every ear. If there’s a history of eardrum perforation or an active infection, we’ll recommend a different approach.
A note for hearing aid wearers
Earwax is one of the most common reasons hearing aids stop working properly. Wax can clog the receiver and block sound before it ever reaches your ear. If your hearing aids suddenly sound weak, have both your ears and your devices checked. We offer both earwax removal and hearing aid repairs.
Book an earwax removal
If your ears feel blocked or your hearing seems muffled, book an appointment and we’ll take a look and clear things up safely.