Wax blockage

Alternative Names

Treatment

Most cases of ear wax blockage can be treated at home. Mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or commercial drops can be used to soften wax in the ear. Detergent drops such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide may aid in the removal of wax.

Another method of removing wax is called irrigation. Body-temperature water should be used (cooler or warmer water may cause a response consisting of brief but severe dizziness or vertigo). With the head upright, straighten the ear canal by holding the external ear and gently pulling upward. Use a syringe to gently direct a small stream of water against the ear canal wall next to the wax plug. Tip the head to allow the water to drain. Irrigation may need to be repeated several times.

Never irrigate the ear if the eardrum is not known to be intact, because irrigation with a ruptured eardrum may cause ear infection or acoustic trauma. Do not irrigate the ear with a jet irrigator designed for cleaning teeth (such as a WaterPik) because the force of the irrigation may damage the eardrum.

After the wax is removed, the ear should be dried thoroughly. A few drops of alcohol in the ear or a hair dryer set on low may be used to help dry the ear.

If attempts to remove the wax plug are unsuccessful, consult a health care provider, who may remove the wax by repeating the irrigation attempts, suctioning the ear canal, or removing wax with a small device (curette). Occasionally, the wax must be removed with the help of a microscope.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Wax blockage of the ear usually responds well to removal attempts, but may happen again in the future. Hearing loss is usually temporary, and hearing usually returns completely after removal of the blockage.

Possible Complications

• Perforated eardrum
• Middle ear infection (otitis media)
• External ear infection (otitis externa)
• Permanent hearing loss from acoustic trauma

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if the ears are blocked with wax and attempts to remove the wax are unsuccessful.

Also call if earwax blockage has been present and new symptoms develop, especially drainage from the ear, persistent or severe ear pain, fever, or persistent hearing loss.