by Marc Alexander, MD
Cerumen or earwax is made by the outer portion of the ear canal. The ear is usually self-cleansing. The ear should be cleansed with a washrag over one’s finger at the outer edge of the ear canal. Most of the time, it is a problem when patients attempt to remove wax on their own. Remember the rule – If it’s smaller than your elbow, it doesn’t belong in your ear!
Once you have earwax, there are several ways to remove it. Solutions such as hydrogen peroxide/cabamine peroxide (debrox) can be used. Earwax can also be removed mechanically with suctioning or irrigation. With irrigation, care must be taken that the solution is neither too warm nor cold as this can result in dizziness and nausea. A water pick should never be used to irrigate your ears as this may cause a hole in the eardrum. After wax removal by any method, the ear should be dried to prevent infection.
It is recommended to wash one’s ears with a wash cloth regularly and do not introduce anything (i.e. Q-Tips, keys, paper clips, and bobby pins) into your ear canal. An over the counter solution may be tried to dissolve the wax. If this fails, see your physicians to prevent an infection, bleeding or a hole in the eardrum.
This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace advice from your personal physician.