How Do You Know If You Need Earwax Removal?

Earwax can be caused by several different factors. Some people just produce more earwax than others; this causes it to get hard and then block the ear. Some people have narrow or hairy ear canals, which can also cause a buildup. People who stick objects into their ears a lot (like q-tips or hearing aids) are also at an increased risk of having a buildup of earwax.

Earwax buildup is actually quite common. In some cases, it can be treated with ear drops from the pharmacy, but this isn’t always the case. This typically only works for more minor buildup; it serves to soften the earwax so that it will pass on its own. Sometimes, professional earwax removal may be necessary. This is typically the case if you have tried ear drops and they didn’t work. Professional earwax removal, however, is quick and painless.

Before we move into a discussion of how you can tell if you need earwax removal, it is important to first stress that earwax removal shouldn’t be attempted at home. This can be dangerous and you risk damaging your ear or pushing the earwax further down your ear. Earwax removal should always be completed by a doctor.