How Can I Prevent Earwax Buildup?

Do you avoid cleaning your ears with c cotton-tipped swabs (like Q-tips), hairpins, toothpicks and other small items?

Have you tried rinsing your ears with warm water?

Have you tried putting a few drops of olive or almond oil in your ear to soften earwax?

Have you tried putting a few drops of over-the-counter wax softening drops (unless you have a punctured eardrum)?

Do you practice to clean your outer ear with a washcloth and leave wax removal to your ear's own self-cleaning mechanism?

Based on your answers, there are a few more things you should know about preventing earwax buildup. It is perfectly normal to have earwax. The medical term for earwax is cerumen. It is a substance that cleans, protects and lubricates your ear canal. In most people, earwax usually falls out on its own, and it is not necessary to take special measures to remove it. Do not try to dig out earwax with a cotton swab, paper clip or a hairpin, as this can only push it further, and increase the risk of an ear canal blockage. Additionally, this way you can pierce your eardrum.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about preventing earwax buildup. Your ears have the ability to cleanse themselves of excess earwax. However, some people naturally produce more earwax than others. Also, older people, especially those who wear hearing aids, have an increased risk of earwax buildup. In that case, you can try rinsing your ears with warm water (keep your head upright, pull the outer ear up and back and gently rinse with water). You can also put 2 to 3 drops of olive or almond oil in the ear twice a day for a few days to soften the earwax.