It usually starts with a little discomfort. Maybe your ear feels full, your hearing seems a bit off, or there’s an odd ringing sound that wasn’t there before. You try to shake it off, but it lingers. Often, what you’re experiencing is something surprisingly common: an earwax blockage.
What is Earwax Blockage?
Earwax blockage typically occurs when earwax (cerumen) accumulates in your ear and becomes too hard to clear naturally.
A recent study shows that about 1 in 5 people aged 12 and above experience earwax buildup serious enough to be called a blockage [1]. Among older adults aged 70 and above, this number increases to nearly 1 in 3 [1].
Earwax plays a protective role in the body’s natural defence system. It helps clean, lubricate, and shield the ear canal by trapping dust, debris, and slowing the growth of harmful microorganisms [2]. In most cases, earwax clears out of the ear on its own and does not require treatment unless it causes symptoms. However, if a blockage develops and causes symptoms, safe and straightforward removal methods can be used under medical guidance.
Signs and Symptoms of Earwax Blockage
- Ear pain
- The feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Decreased hearing in the affected ear
- Dizziness
- Cough
Research indicates that after earwax removal, up to 83% of people reported that their hearing had somewhat or significantly improved [2].
Causes of Earwax Blockage
Earwax is produced by glands in the skin lining the outer part of the ear canal. The wax and tiny hair in these areas trap dust and other foreign particles that could harm deeper and more sensitive structures, like your eardrum. In most people, a small amount of earwax routinely moves towards the opening of the ear, where it either flakes off or is washed away, making room for new wax.
Earwax blockages typically occur when people attempt to clean their ears with Q-tips or similar objects. They tend to push the wax deeper rather than remove it [3]. This may worsen the blockage and increase the risk of ear injury.
Ways to Manage Ear Blockage
There are several ways to manage a blocked ear. While some cases may require medications or professional treatment, many mild blockages, especially those confirmed to be caused by earwax, can be addressed using simple remedies at home. However, it’s important first to determine where the blockage is occurring: in the outer ear canal (often due to wax buildup), middle ear (behind the eardrum), or deeper within the inner ear.
If you’re unsure of the source or if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before attempting any treatment.
Techniques to Open Blocked Ears
Valsalva Manoeuvre (For Middle Ear Pressure)
The Valsalva manoeuvre, commonly referred to as “popping your ears,” helps open the eustachian tubes, which can relieve pressure in the middle ear. To perform it, gently pinch your nose, close your mouth, and try to exhale through your nose; this should cause a slight puffing sensation in your cheeks.
It’s important not to blow too forcefully, as doing so can damage the eardrum. This technique is most effective during sudden pressure changes, such as during air travel or altitude shifts. However, note that it is not effective for draining fluid buildup in the inner ear caused by infection or inflammation.
Nasal Sprays or Oral Decongestants (For Congestion-Related Blockage)
Nasal sprays and oral decongestants can be particularly helpful if you are experiencing nasal or sinus congestion, as this can affect the Eustachian tubes. Many are available over the counter, but they should be used with caution and according to package instructions.
Home Remedies for Mild Earwax Blockage
Important Note: These methods are only recommended for confirmed earwax buildup and should be stopped immediately if pain, discharge, or increased discomfort occurs. Consult your doctor first, especially if you have a history of ear issues [4].
1. Softening Earwax with Mineral Oil
Try using a few drops of warm mineral oil to help soften impacted earwax. Slightly warm the oil by placing the container in a bowl of warm water; never heat it directly, and always test the temperature on your wrist to ensure it’s safe.
Using a clean dropper, place one to two drops into the affected ear while tilting your head to the side. Keep your head tilted for about 10 to 15 seconds to allow the oil to reach the wax. This can be repeated once or twice daily for up to 5 days, unless symptoms worsen.
Caution: Do not use this method if you have ear pain, discharge, or a suspected ruptured eardrum, as it may cause further complications [3]. Always consult a doctor if symptoms persist.
2. Using Peroxide-Based Ear Drops (Cerumenolytics)
Hydrogen peroxide (3%) or carbamide peroxide otic drops are commonly used to help soften and loosen earwax [5], [6]. Using a clean dropper, place a few drops of the solution into the affected ear while tilting your head to the side. You may feel a bubbling or fizzing sensation; this is normal and indicates the peroxide is breaking down the wax. Keep your head tilted until the bubbling subsides, then allow any fluid to drain out gently.
Caution: Do not use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide if you have ear pain, discharge, a history of ear surgery, or a perforated eardrum [6]. Consult a doctor if you’re unsure or if symptoms persist.
3. Over-the-counter Ear Drops
You can get ear drops from a pharmacy or at your local drugstore. Use as described in the prescription. Over-the-counter drops containing active ingredients like docusate sodium or triethanolamine polypeptide oleate are also available to help break down wax [4].
4. Ear Irrigation (Water Syringing)
Watering your ear might help once the earwax has been sufficiently softened using drops. This can usually be done at home using simple tools. When the wax becomes pliable, irrigation can help flush it out more effectively [7]. However, ear syringing carries risks of complications like vertigo, ear pain, or damage to the eardrum, and it is safest when performed by a healthcare professional [7]. For more information, you can read further about the ear irrigation process here.
5. Applying Warmth or Steam
Try placing a warm compress over the affected ear to help relieve discomfort. Taking a warm shower can also create steam that may help ease mild ear pressure. Be sure to stay in the steam for at least 5 to 10 minutes for the best results.
6. Saltwater Nasal Rinse/Gargle (For Congestion)
A saltwater rinse may help reduce mucus in the nasal passages, which can sometimes relieve pressure in the ears by improving drainage through the Eustachian tubes. It’s a simple and commonly used remedy for nasal congestion.
To prepare a rinse, mix a small amount of salt into warm water. Once fully dissolved, use the solution to gargle or perform a nasal rinse, then spit it out. Do not put saltwater directly into the ears.
Other Techniques for Altitude Blockage
Individuals can attempt the accompanying in instances of blockage brought about by high height:
- Yawning
- Gulping (Swallowing)
- Biting (Chewing gum)
- Tenderly cleaning out the nose while squeezing the nostrils shut until a popping sound is heard (The Valsalva Manoeuvre)
Use Caution
Remember, the ear is an extremely delicate part of the body. Most ear, nose, and throat specialists do not recommend routine ear cleaning, especially using cotton swabs or similar objects. Inserting a Q-tip into the ear canal may seem helpful, but it can actually push wax deeper or damage the ear canal and eardrum [3].
If you choose to clean your ears, avoid inserting anything inside. Instead, gently wipe only the outer part of the ear using a warm, damp cloth.
When to See an Ear Specialist
If you’re experiencing symptoms of earwax blockage, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider. Similar symptoms, such as ear pain, pressure, or hearing loss, may be caused by ear infections, fluid buildup, or other ear conditions, not just wax. Although it may seem simple to manage earwax on your own, it’s often not possible to confirm a blockage without a physical examination. Your doctor can examine the ear to determine if wax is the issue and, if so, perform a safe removal [3]. Attempting to remove wax at home, especially with objects, may damage the sensitive ear canal or eardrum.
In children, ear exams are typically part of routine checkups. If needed, a doctor can safely remove excess earwax during an office visit.
References
[1] Tolan, M. M., Choi, J. S., Tibesar, M. T., & Adams, M. E. (2024). Cerumen impaction: Prevalence and associated factors in the United States population. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology, 9(2), e1228. https://doi.org/10.1002/lio2.1228
[2] Munro, K. J., Giles, T. C., Smith-Howell, C., & Nazareth, I. (2023). Ear wax management in primary care: what the busy GP needs to know. The British Journal of General Practice: The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 73(727), 90–92. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp23X732009
[3] Sevy, J. O., Hohman, M. H., & Singh, A. (2025). Cerumen impaction removal. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448155/
[4] Aaron, K., Cooper, T. E., Warner, L., & Burton, M. J. (2018). Ear drops for the removal of ear wax. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 7(7), CD012171. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012171.pub2
[5] Asgari, A., Asgari, H. R., Ghorbanlou, M., Dobakhti, F., & Ghorbanian, M. A. (2024). Cerumenolytic Effects of Carbamide Peroxide in Patients with Ear Wax Obstruction. Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, 36(2), 415–420. https://doi.org/10.22038/IJORL.2024.67777.3311
[6] Schwartz, S. R., Magit, A. E., O’Brien, S., Qaseem, A., Remmers, J., & Svetec, V. (2017). Clinical Practice Guideline: Cerumen Impaction (Update). Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, 156(1 Suppl), S1–S29. https://doi.org/10.1177/0194599816681442
[7] Schumann, J. A., & Pfleghaar, N. (2020). Ear Irrigation. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459335/
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