Common questions about earwax, answered

Earwax may look gross, but it’s actually a good thing. This sticky substance moisturizes the insides of your ear canal. It helps fight off infection by trapping dust and other things. And it also has antibacterial and water-resistant properties.¹

But even though it’s normal, patients often have questions about it, says Melanie Vazquez, an audiologist at Swedish Audiology Services in Seattle. They may wonder how much earwax is too much, for instance.  Other common questions include whether hearing aids cause earwax issues and how to clean your ears, she adds.

You may wonder about earwax too. Here are some answers to the most common questions, from how often to clean your ears to how to do it safely — and everything in between.

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Does earwax mean my ears are dirty?

Not at all. Everyone’s ears produce earwax. And most of the time, your ears do a good job of cleaning themselves. Earwax moves along the ear canal until it falls out or washes away.

Some people, though, produce more earwax. This is usually due to things that they can’t control, like their genes or how much ear hair they have.²

So how much earwax is too much? When a hearing care professional or your primary care provider (PCP) can still see your ear drum during an ear exam, then it’s not an issue, explains Vazquez. But if they can only see some of the ear drum, then it may be time to remove the excess wax — either professionally or safely at home. 

How would I know if I had impacted earwax?

Earwax can become hard, making it tough to wash away. That may make your ears hurt. Some other signs include:^{3, 4}

• Feeling as if your ears are plugged up, blocked or full 
• Hearing loss
• A ringing sound in your ears (tinnitus) 
• Itchiness
• Earache

If you’re a hearing aid wearer, you may start hearing a lot of feedback, squealing or whistling from the hearing aid, says Vazquez. Or your device may not work as well. If that’s the case, see your hearing care professional. They can check if you have impacted earwax.

Did you know that you may be able to request a no-cost hearing exam and consultation through AARP® Hearing Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare Hearing? Request an appointment.

Can hearing aids cause earwax problems?

They might. “Wearing hearing aids may not necessarily increase wax production but can sometimes increase the chances for buildup,” says Vazquez. The reason? Hearing aids sometimes prevent earwax from flowing out of the ear canal naturally — especially in people who produce more earwax, she explains.

If that’s the case for you, Vazquez suggests regular cleanings by an expert. You can see an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT), your PCP or a hearing care professional like an audiologist. They can also let you know how to clean your ears safely at home, she adds.

And remember to clean your hearing aids every day, notes Vazquez. Your hearing care professional will show you how to do it.

I know you’re not supposed to put cotton swabs in your ears. But why is it so bad?

Because cotton swabs can push earwax back into the ear canal and potentially cause blockage, says Vazquez. Push a swab in far enough, and it may even rupture your eardrum. Or damage the fragile skin inside the ear and cause an infection.⁴

Can over-the-counter (OTC) ear drops really help to get rid of earwax?

Yes. These drops work well to dissolve excess earwax, especially if you have a small amount. Look for drops that contain carbamide peroxide or other types of peroxide.⁴

Tilt your head to one side and put the drops in the ear that’s facing up. Then lie down on your side for 5 minutes. When you sit up, the drops plus earwax should run out of your ear. You can then wipe the outer ear with a moist towel or washcloth.

The bottom line? Earwax is nothing to be alarmed about. Even if you do produce a lot of it, or wear hearing aids, it can be taken care of pretty easily.

Sources

1. The scoop on earwax Mayo Clinic. Accessed June 19, 2025.
2. Earwax Cleveland Clinic. Accessed June 19, 2025.
3. Earwax blockage Cleveland Clinic. Accessed June 19, 2025.
4. Earwax blockage Mayo Clinic. Accessed June 19, 2025.
5. Earwax removal 101: The best (and safest) ways to clear clogged ears Cleveland Clinic. Accessed June 19, 2025.

Information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical provider. Consult your provider prior to making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.    

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