# Do you have to be careful at removing earwax? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 15, 2017, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348 "2017-07-15T20:56:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Blue\_Blistering\_Barnacle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blue_blistering_barnacle/32/3386_2.png) [@Blue\_Blistering\_Barnacle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blue_Blistering_Barnacle)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2017, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/21 "2017-07-16T15:18:38Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > I floss. It’s momentarily painful threading the floss through to the other ear the first time, but after that it’s easy. Yes, mental floss is great stuff. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Wolf333](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf333/32/3460_2.png) [@Wolf333](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolf333)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2017, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/22 "2017-07-16T15:47:24Z")
I use one of these ear syringes. > **[Amazon.com: Acu-Life Ear Wax Removal Syringe, Pack of 2 : Health & Household](https://www.amazon.com/Acu-Life-Ear-Removal-Syringe-Pack/dp/B01KCJD31G)** > > Buy Acu-Life Ear Wax Removal Syringe, Pack of 2 on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders It has a diffuse on the tip to prevent directly hitting the eardrum, as well as preventing sticking it too far in. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2017, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/23 "2017-07-16T16:39:53Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > It’s said that Q-tips are the consumer product that is most often used contrary to the instructions.🙂 > > I used to just insert them to remove earwax, but as I’ve aged my earwax has become stickier and thicker. Recently I had a couple of instances in which the wax got packed in instead of being removed and caused dulled hearing for several days until I was able to dissolve it with liquids. I don’t do it that way any more. Yeah, I read some scare story that mentioned that every person with ear wax problems that some doctor had seen had used q-tips, implying that q-tips were the cause of all the problems. Not mentioned in the article was how incredibly common it is to use q-tips that way, and how almost everyone with itchy ears and other ear-wax problems has been tempted to do it – and most have. That is, I rather suspect they confused cause with effect. Sure, you can compact the wax, or even poke a hole in your eardrum with q-tips if you are careless. That’s not by any means the most likely outcome, though. (Yes, I’ve shoved q-tips up my ears. I’ve done it very carefully. I’ve done it to remove the water that gets trapped after I swim, as well as to remove wax. the cotton acts as a wick and pulls out most of the water. Rubbing alcohol also works to break the surface tension and let the water run out. YMMV, I’m told my ear canal is shaped to hold water, more than most people’s. Anyway, I recognize it’s risky and intend to keep doing it.) ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2017, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/24 "2017-07-16T17:08:00Z")
Q-tips? My mother used to use the curved end of bobby pins to scoop out her earwax! :eek: She got away with it all her life. Me, never had the guts to try it. I will confess to Q-tip use. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2017, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/25 "2017-07-16T19:49:13Z")
It may be relevant whether one uses specifically the brand Q-tips® versus any knock-off Brand X. A commonly stated risk, as I’ve seen it mentioned, is that bits of cotton will come off and get stuck in your ear. I think this is a real thing with at least some off-brands, which tend to be flimsy with poor quality control. But I don’t think Q-tips do that. ---
**Author:** ![Loopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loopus/32/15343_2.png) [@Loopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopus)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2017, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/26 "2017-07-16T20:31:26Z")
My experience is that Q-Tips can be used to remove earwax as long as it’s not in there very deep, but if it is all that far in there you’ll just shove it in further. It’s best to just use OTC earwax removal liquids that dissolve the wax and let it flow out. ---
**Author:** ![sweat209](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc348/32.png) [@sweat209](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweat209)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2017, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/27 "2017-07-16T20:54:56Z")
So the liquids spray is better and safer than the Q-tips? The Q-tips could make the Tinnitus louder or worse? ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2017, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/28 "2017-07-16T22:24:41Z")
It is a bad idea. Q-Tips do more pushing in of the wax than pulling out. Harder objects can easily scratch the canal, leaving it vulnerable to infection. Not that I practice what I preach. Certain ball point pen caps are perfect wax scoopers and I have several strategically placed for quick access. mmm ---
**Author:** ![skdo23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@skdo23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skdo23)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2017, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/29 "2017-07-17T01:01:22Z")
I have one of these, and I couldn’t be any happier with it. I use it with a solution of four parts water, one part hydrogen peroxide every other month or so. No need to buy the replacement tips, they are reusable. > **[Amazon.com: Elephant Ear Washer Bottle System by Doctor Easy : Health &...](https://www.amazon.com/Elephant-Washer-Bottle-Doctor-Easy/dp/B005M2B5P0)** > > Buy Elephant Ear Washer Bottle System by Doctor Easy on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders ---
**Author:** ![Celyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9dc877/32.png) [@Celyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Celyn)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2017, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/30 "2017-07-17T05:48:07Z")
Regarding the olive oil approach, is there anything special about the olive oil as sold in the tiny little dropper bottles? I mean, would it be somehow stupid of me simply to use culinary purpose olive oil and put it into a little cropper bottle? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2017, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/31 "2017-07-17T06:36:26Z")
I’ve had success with Debrox Buy the kit. Then replace the ear drops as needed. > **[Amazon.com: Debrox Earwax Removal Kit, Includes Drops and Ear Syringe Bulb, 0.5...](https://www.amazon.com/Debrox-Drops-Earwax-Removal-Aid/dp/B0011WFO1G)** > > Buy Debrox Earwax Removal Kit, Includes Drops and Ear Syringe Bulb, 0.5 Oz on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders ---
**Author:** ![Celyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9dc877/32.png) [@Celyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Celyn)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2017, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/32 "2017-07-17T06:46:08Z")
Ah, might do that. Thanks.🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b487fb/32.png) [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2017, 9:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/33 "2017-07-17T09:40:48Z")
I have a USB microscope of similar size to a pen. One day I had the idea to stick it in my ear. It’s cool to be able to see one’s own eardrums from the comfort of one’s own home. Anyway, I was a bit shocked to discover the hitherto hidden and unexplored world of earwax. One of my ears was a bit blocked up, and I was able to clear it myself using methods probably not recommended for an untrained health professional. The walls of the ear canal are fairly sensitive, so one needs to be careful, although with the microscope I could see exactly what I was doing. Since then, I have equipped myself with an ear syringe and olive oil spray for regular maintenance. One can use normal olive oil, although the dedicated spray form is clear and odorless and, with its spray nozzle, easier to apply. ---
**Author:** ![Elemenopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b5e925/32.png) [@Elemenopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elemenopy)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2017, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/34 "2017-07-18T02:43:54Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Q-tips? > > My mother used to use the curved end of bobby pins to scoop out her earwax! :eek: > > She got away with it all her life. Me, never had the guts to try it. > > I will confess to Q-tip use. I used to do the same thing with bobby pins, and aggressive Q-tip use. I also used to get ear infections ~5 times a year. Learned that oral antibiotics did no good, but steroidal eardrops cleared it up in no time. To make a long story short, irritation to the ear canal made everything horrible. And it sucks to have your ear itch, but much worse to have an infection/impaction due to everything swelling up because you’ve been fiddling at it. So if I get water in my ears, and it itches badly, I may do a light Q-tip swab (like, for 1 second) but that’s it. I do not swab my ears regularly anymore, or dig wax out, or irrigate with peroxide or olive oil like I used to be advised to. I wash my ears with a washcloth on the outside every day when I shower, and now I get earaches less than once a year. I also avoid diving in pools, which used to be a big trigger for the whole mess. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2017, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/35 "2017-07-18T04:26:02Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Q-tips? > > My mother used to use the curved end of bobby pins to scoop out her earwax! :eek: > > She got away with it all her life. Me, never had the guts to try it. Actually, this curved end of a bobby pin is pretty similar to the Jobson horn, the common instrument used by doctors to clean out impacted earwax. So it should be a reasonably safe item to use. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2017, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/36 "2017-07-18T04:39:29Z")
I used to get ear infections every summer. Then a friend’s mother suggested that after swimming I dry the interior of my ear by pouring a few drips of alcohol into it. That may kill germs, too, but I think the important thing that it does is break the surface tension of the water stuck in my ear, so out runs out. Also, it dilutes the remaining water with fast-drying alcohol. If I have a Q-tip handy, I might gently blot out the water/alcohol, but I usually just hold a towel to my ear and let it drain. If you don’t get water stuck in your ears, and you don’t get ear infections, leave well enough alone. But I used to get ear infections at least once each summer, and I haven’t gotten one since I started doing this. ---
**Author:** ![guizot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guizot/32/3636_2.png) [@guizot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guizot)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2017, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/37 "2017-07-18T11:46:00Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > If you don’t get water stuck in your ears, and you don’t get ear infections, leave well enough alone. But I used to get ear infections at least once each summer, and I haven’t gotten one since I started doing this. I’ve been swimming every day for many years, and I do the same thing. Yes, it prevents infections, but it doesn’t stop wax build-up, which is a different issue, and which is the topic of this thread. ---
**Author:** ![divemaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/divemaster/32/78_2.png) [@divemaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/divemaster)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2017, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/38 "2017-07-18T12:41:14Z")
> [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > Actually, this curved end of a bobby pin is pretty similar to the Jobson horn, the common instrument used by doctors to clean out impacted earwax. So it should be a reasonably safe item to use. My go-to is a paper clip. Take one of the large ones and pull/bend it so that it has a loop on either end. You end up with a tool about 3.25 inches long, with a large rounded loop on one end and a smaller rounded loop on the other. The large end is for holding, and the small loop fits in there perfectly to scoop out the wax. You don’t really have to dig around too much–the wax easily collects in the loop and out it comes! Never had an ear infection or earache (as an adult). ---
**Author:** ![Ornery\_Bob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/da6949/32.png) [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2017, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/39 "2017-07-18T14:07:20Z")
_So no one here who has Tinnitus their Tinnitus got worse or louder after removing the earwax?_ I’ve had serious tinnitus for 20 years and at one time I also had a wax build up issue at one time and the wax didn’t affect the tinnitus either way. I’ve used olive oil, hydrogen peroxide, syringes large and small, and I finally settled on the Elephant Ear pressure washer. The excessive wax buildup issue cleared up on it’s own and now I occasionally use curved end of a paperclip method. ---
**Author:** ![sweat209](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc348/32.png) [@sweat209](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweat209)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2017, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348/40 "2017-07-18T23:59:19Z")
> [@Ornery\_Bob](#): > > _So no one here who has Tinnitus their Tinnitus got worse or louder after removing the earwax?_ > > I’ve had serious tinnitus for 20 years and at one time I also had a wax build up issue at one time and the wax didn’t affect the tinnitus either way. > > I’ve used olive oil, hydrogen peroxide, syringes large and small, and I finally settled on the Elephant Ear pressure washer. > > The excessive wax buildup issue cleared up on it’s own and now I occasionally use curved end of a paperclip method. The reason I ask, \*\*is I know two friends of mine \*\ ***who has tinnitus** and had **earwax**. Gone to the doctor to had it removed and than after the tinnitus got worse after removing the earwax. And because I have water and earwax and hard to hear I’m worried the doctor may make it worse. I heard curettes better than suction process or syringing. Where doctors are really lazy normally go for the suction process or syringing than taking their time to remove it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-be-careful-at-removing-earwax/791348.md?page=3)