Stubborn earwax can be a problem at the best of times, but when you want it removed the same day, it can be very tempting to try some radical methods to do so. However, these can be unwise and often cause a lot more harm than good – if they do any good at all.
If your wax is hard and causing a serious blockage to the extent that it is stopping you from hearing properly in one or both ears, or causing discomfort, that should be your cue to contact us and get the professional help you need.
Sadly, however, many people will rely on homespun methods, even though they are very unwise. The most common of these involves cotton wool buds.
In general, it isn’t a great idea to use them to ‘clean’ the ear every day, even when scooping out soft wax, as it is actually the job of earwax (which is a substance called cerumen rather than actual wax) to clean the ear by binding to anything that shouldn’t be in there, like dust.
Worse still, when earwax has hardened and is blocking the ear, trying to claw it out using buds is likely to have the reverse effect, pushing it deeper and packing it more firmly. The process can also scratch and inflame the inner ear, leading to infection and soreness.
Cotton wool buds may be the most commonly misused item in attempts to remove earwax, but there are others. Earwax candling, for example, is ineffective and can cause burns.
Methods that you can use at home include using mineral oils or hydrogen peroxide to soften the earwax and make it easy to remove, but this takes a couple of days to work fully.
Therefore, if you are in a hurry, getting the professionals in to do a swift and effective job is the one way you can be sure of getting rid of your earwax promptly and not suffering any damage to your ear.
