Tag Archives: what causes ear wax

Have you ever felt your ear suddenly clog, heard muffled sounds, or noticed an odd itch deep in your ear canal? The answer often lies in something surprisingly natural: ear wax. 

At HILL PHARMACY, customers often ask us about safe ear cleaning, DIY earwax removal, and how to avoid blocked ears. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what causes ear wax build-up, how to clean it safely at home, and when to seek professional ear cleaning. 

Let’s help you hear clearly, feel better — and protect your ear health. 

 What Exactly Is Ear Wax? 

Ear wax — medically known as cerumen — is a waxy substance produced naturally in the ear canal. 
Though often viewed as something “dirty,” ear wax actually serves several important purposes: 

✅ Protects your ears by trapping dust, bacteria, and debris 
✅ Lubricates and moisturizes the skin inside your ears 
✅ Helps prevent infection and irritation 

When your ear functions normally, ear wax slowly moves out of the canal and flakes away unnoticed. 

Why Do We Get Too Much Ear Wax? 

Some people never experience ear blocked with wax, while others struggle often. 
Common reasons for excessive ear wax build-up include: 

• Using cotton swabs: These usually push wax deeper instead of removing it 

• Narrow or curved ear canals: Wax can’t move out easily 

• Frequent earbud or hearing aid use: These block the ear canal, trapping wax 

• Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis): Increase wax production 

• Age: Older adults often produce harder, drier wax 

• Overactive glands: Some naturally produce more ear wax 

Knowing these causes helps explain why some people need regular ear cleaning or earwax removal. 

 Symptoms: How Do You Know Your Ear Is Blocked With Wax? 

Healthy ear wax rarely causes problems. But too much can lead to: 

✅ Feeling of fullness, pressure, or blockage 
✅ Reduced or muffled hearing 
✅ Itching or mild discomfort 
✅ Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) 
✅ Sometimes dizziness or coughing (due to nerve stimulation) 

If you experience severe pain, drainage, fever, or sudden hearing loss, contact an ear cleaning doctor immediately. 

 Safe Home Remedies for Earwax Removal 

Good news: in many cases, gentle at-home methods help clear ear wax safely. 

Here’s what pharmacists and ENT doctors recommend: 

 1. Soften Ear Wax Naturally 

Using a softening ear cleaning solution makes wax easier to remove. 

How to do it: 

• Lie on your side with the affected ear up 

• Place 2–3 drops of mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or hydrogen peroxide (3%) into your ear 

• Stay still for 5–10 minutes 

• Sit up and gently wipe away any wax that comes out 

Tip: Use this once or twice daily for a few days if wax feels stubborn. 

 2. Try an Ear Wash (Ear Irrigation) 

Once wax is softened, you can gently rinse it out. 

How: 

• Use a soft rubber bulb syringe 

• Fill with warm (not hot) water 

• Tilt your head and gently squirt water into the ear canal 

• Let water and wax drain out, dry with a towel 

Repeat if needed. 

⚠️ Don’t do this if you have diabetes, a perforated eardrum, ear tubes, frequent infections, or very hard wax — see a professional instead. 

 3. Use Over-the-Counter Ear Wax Cleaner Drops 

At HILL PHARMACY, we offer safe ear wax cleaner drops containing carbamide peroxide. 
These bubble gently, breaking up wax to help it work its way out naturally. 

Follow instructions carefully and ask our pharmacists if you’re unsure. 

• What NOT to Do When Cleaning Ear Wax 

• 🚫 Don’t use cotton swabs, bobby pins, or sharp objects 

• 🚫 Avoid “ear candling”: it doesn’t work and may cause burns 

• 🚫 Don’t over-clean: removing too much ear wax increases infection risk 

Remember, your ears are mostly self-cleaning! 

•  When to Seek Professional Ear Cleaning 

Sometimes home methods aren’t enough — or they’re not safe due to your medical history. 

Seek professional ear cleaning near me or visit an ear cleaning doctor if: 

✅ Home treatments don’t help after 3–5 days 
✅ You use hearing aids, have diabetes, or a history of ear surgery 
✅ Severe pain, drainage, or fever develops 
✅ Your ear feels fully blocked 

What Professionals Use: 

• Ear wax suction or ear wax vacuum: Gentle vacuum to remove wax 

• Curettes: Small instruments to scoop wax 

• Special ear cleaning solution or irrigation under medical supervision 

These methods are quick, safe, and often provide instant relief. 

•  Best Ear Wax Removal Tools & Products 

At HILL PHARMACY, we recommend: 

• Carbamide peroxide ear drops 

• Soft rubber bulb syringes (for gentle ear wash) 

• Doctor-approved ear wax cleaner kits 

• Earplugs and hearing aid filters to reduce buildup 

Tip: Always follow product instructions and ask us if you’re unsure. 

• How Often Should You Do Ear Cleaning? 

Most people don’t need regular ear cleaning — your ears handle it naturally! 

You may need periodic earwax removal if you: 

• Produce heavy wax 

• Wear earbuds or hearing aids daily 

• Have narrow ear canals 

For many, cleaning every 6–12 months by a professional is enough. 

•  Choosing “Ear Cleaning Near Me” — What to Look For 

Searching online? Check: 

✅ Licensed providers (ENT, audiologist, nurse) 
✅ Sterile equipment 
✅ Reviews and patient feedback 
✅ Clear explanation of their methods (suction, irrigation, curettes) 

At HILL PHARMACY, we can help connect you to trusted local professionals. 

 Ear Wax in Kids: Special Tips 

Children produce ear wax too! Usually, it doesn’t need removal unless it blocks hearing. 

• Avoid cotton swabs 

• Use drops only if advised by a doctor 

• If unsure, see a pediatrician or ear cleaning doctor 

> Ear Care Tips for Healthy Ears 

• Let warm shower water run into your ears — then dry gently 

• Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal 

• Don’t overuse ear cleaning solution 

• Protect ears from loud noise 

• Visit a professional if symptoms persist 

These habits keep ear wax levels healthy and ears happy. 

•  Fun Ear Wax Facts 

• Ear wax comes in two types: wet (sticky, amber) and dry (crumbly, gray) — determined by genetics! 

• Chewing and jaw movement help move wax outward naturally 

• Ear wax has antibacterial properties to protect against infection 

• Final Advice from HILL PHARMACY 

Ear wax isn’t dirty — it protects your ears. 
But if it builds up, you don’t have to live with discomfort. 

At HILL PHARMACY, we: 

✅ Offer pharmacist-recommended ear wax cleaner products 
✅ Explain safe home earwax removal methods 
✅ Help you find trusted ear cleaning doctors or clinics for professional ear cleaning 

•  Summary: Ear Wax Done Right 

• Ear wax protects ears but can block them if too much builds-up 

• Home remedies: soften with drops, gentle ear wash 

• Avoid cotton swabs & candles 

• Seek professional help when home methods fail 

• Keep ears healthy with gentle habits 

 Need advice? 
Visit us at HILL PHARMACY, call, or shop online. 
Healthy ears start with safe, gentle care — and we’re here to help every step.