# Ear Wax XXXX !!! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 24, 2014, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971 "2014-07-24T22:07:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Atomic\_Mama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5ac83/32.png) [@Atomic\_Mama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Mama)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2014, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/1 "2014-07-24T22:07:20Z")
Ick. I got it; I’ve had it; getting out out of my ears is hurty & costs doctor bills :eek: And sound is important to me. Music, and stuff. Comments? Suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2014, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/2 "2014-07-24T22:14:00Z")
Visit the drugstore. Various companies, including Mucinex, sell a kit including the chemical and bulb, to safely remove ear wax. I think the kit is about five or six bucks. ---
**Author:** ![74westy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/74westy/32/3950_2.png) [@74westy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/74westy)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2014, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/3 "2014-07-24T22:35:10Z")
Use a [syringe](http://www.livestrong.com/article/186362-how-to-clean-impacted-ear-wax/). ---
**Author:** ![Valgard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/7feea3/32.png) [@Valgard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valgard)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2014, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/4 "2014-07-24T22:36:42Z")
I was told by my doctor to start with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. It feels funny as it bubbles away but it does the trick - put a few drops in, let it fizz for a while, tilt the ear down and hold a towel to catch any runoff. Take a warm shower afterwards. > **[Earwax](https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ear-wax)** > > Earwax (cerumen) serves a purpose but excessive amounts can cause problems for your ear. Learn more about earwax and common complications. If that doesn’t work you can try the drugstore remedies (“ear candles” do not count). ---
**Author:** ![Sarabellum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarabellum/32/3492_2.png) [@Sarabellum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarabellum)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2014, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/5 "2014-07-24T23:23:48Z")
Glycerin is good. Honestly, a quick trip to the nurse practitioner at CVS or your usual GP will set you back 60-70 bucks or so but they have the right tools and can do it right away. By the time you try over - the - counter this, and guy - on - the -Internet - recommends that, you could’ve had it taken care of properly and safely. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2014, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/6 "2014-07-24T23:34:36Z")
> [@Valgard](#): > > I was told by my doctor to start with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. It feels funny as it bubbles away but it does the trick - put a few drops in, let it fizz for a while, tilt the ear down and hold a towel to catch any runoff. Take a warm shower afterwards. > > [http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/earwax-home-treatment](http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/earwax-home-treatment) > > If that doesn’t work you can try the drugstore remedies (“ear candles” do not count). I do that myself. Though I admit I like the bubbles 😃 [and I am one of those sick people who like bed spins:smack:] [URL=“[http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/](http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/)”] ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2014, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/7 "2014-07-25T00:16:19Z")
I think the earwax removal kit I have uses carbamide peroxide. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2014, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/8 "2014-07-25T02:10:05Z")
The nurse will use the same thing to remove the wax as is in the kit. A bulb syringe and c carbamide peroxide. It took me 20 minutes to get a stubborn bit of wax out the last time. Be patient and have at it. ---
**Author:** ![Inna\_Minnit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Inna\_Minnit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inna_Minnit)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2014, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/9 "2014-07-25T02:19:47Z")
Colace liquid will soften ear wax. Yes, the stool softener. It’s what they use in doctor’s offices. ---
**Author:** ![Tabby\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Tabby\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tabby_Cat)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2014, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/10 "2014-07-25T02:48:59Z")
Ear pick. [Ear pick - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_pick) (don’t actually do it if you’re at all unsure, I am not responsible for your ruptured ear drums, go slow and be careful, THE EARGASMS) ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2014, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/11 "2014-07-25T03:17:51Z")
I got two ear infections, almost certainly from using the bulb kit, so I’d stay away from those. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2014, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/12 "2014-07-25T03:58:26Z")
> [@Revtim](#): > > I got two ear infections, almost certainly from using the bulb kit, so I’d stay away from those. Mine has been used for probably 15 years. Never had a problem. I clean it after each use with soapy water. when wax gets pushed all the way back it’s really the only safe option. ---
**Author:** ![PurpleClogs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f04885/32.png) [@PurpleClogs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PurpleClogs)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2014, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/13 "2014-07-25T04:18:42Z")
I had mine cleaned out at the ENT once. Man, it was like being reborn! I swear even my vision improved. Well worth the expense if you ask me. ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2014, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/14 "2014-07-25T04:26:14Z")
Everyone will probably caution against this, but I used to have the same problem as you. However, exactly 22 years ago when my husband and I started dating, he suggested I try gently (which is key) using a Q-Tip to clean my ears out after every shower. Since then, no wax build up at all, no extra money spent, no trip to the doctor over it, no pain, no problems hearing. And if you decide to give it a short but are concerned about poking a hole are something, I highly recommend the ones used on babies. They have a bulbous head and can only go so far down your ear canal before stopping. Regardless of what you choose though, good luck. Having that sucks. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2014, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/15 "2014-07-25T04:33:09Z")
if you want to try poking something in your ear, then maybe try Ototek Loop Ear Wax Removal Tool. it seems to be made to not insert too far or to pack the wax. ---
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2014, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/16 "2014-07-25T06:10:19Z")
You might wish to check out this thead about ear wax. > **[How the hell did this fit in my ear? (Way TMI)](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=504427)** > > I use a 1:1:2 mix of water, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to clean my ears, and sadly I haven’t been able to get around to it in a while. Tonight, I decided, was the night. Mixed up the solution, got it to body temperature and dropped some in my... ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2014, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/17 "2014-07-25T12:58:49Z")
\*\*Ear Wax XXXX !!! \*\* Wow, has it been that long? I still remember Ear Wax XXIV like it was yesterday! ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2014, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/18 "2014-07-25T15:11:12Z")
Yeah, when I was five or six, the pediatrician went after my earwax with a waterpik. I remember it very well. It felt like he removed a small boulder. Ever since then, I’ve been obsessed with what my ears produce. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2014, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/19 "2014-07-25T18:07:01Z")
I can’t get my ears to produce anything. Act? Yes. Direct? Sure. Produce? They won’t hear of it. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2014, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971/20 "2014-07-25T18:19:59Z")
When I had blocked ears, I just trotted off to the clinic and they squirted water in and caught the remains in a basin. It was like being reborn, and even my balance improved. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ear-wax-xxxx/693971.md?page=2)