Ear Wax
Ear wax is caused by the accumulation of dead skin found within the ear and actually has many functional properties. It has antibacterial properties and serves to trap dust and other particles that might enter the ear. Think of it as part of a self-cleaning mechanism inbuilt into the ear.
Contrary to popular belief, it is actually quite unnecessary to clean out the ear with ear diggers or cotton buds, as this might push the ear wax in deeper. Over cleaning can also trigger more wax production. In certain patients, this might lead to a condition called impacted ear wax.
What is impacted ear wax?
This condition occurs when there is blockage in the ear caused by an excessive amount of ear wax. This obstruction can result in an obstruction in the ear drum, thus leading to a potential ear infection as well as hearing loss.
In order to clear the ear out, a procedure known as an aural toilet is conducted. This involves using the suction of a ear vacuum with a microscope imaging tool.
I would not recommend ear syringing as this causes fluid to enter the ear canal which might lead to an ear drum injury.
Picture of a case of impacted ear wax
Picture of ear canal cleared with ear drum clearly visualized
What dissolves ear wax fast?
There are some over the counter ear wax cleaning solutions that are moderately effective in unblocking your ears, but they sometimes make the blockage worse.
How can I unblock my ears at home? Are home remedies effective?
There are some over the counter ear wax cleaning solutions that are moderately effective in unblocking your ears, but they sometimes make the blockage worse.
If you need to unblock your ears, try to apply ear wax cleaning solutions and follow guidelines closely. In order for the solution to enter the ear completely, it is good to massage the outer part of the ear prior. The solution should help unclog your ear in a few days. If this is ineffective, see an ENT specialist who will perform an aural toilet to clear your ear out.
I highly recommend against using home remedies to clean out the ears of ear wax or treat ear infections. They can be highly dangerous and damaging to the ear. For example, some say that the use of vinegar and alcohol may be effective. But the acidic quality of these solutions can prove to be injurious to the ear canal or drum. In fact, some of my patients have even caused a hole in their ear drum from using these home remedies!
Will impacted ear wax fix itself?
No. Impacted ear wax would mean that the ear wax is almost impossible to fully remove without surgery
Can ear wax fall out?
Yes, ear wax commonly falls out by itself from time to time.
ENT Specialist · Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Dennis Chua
BOARD CERTIFICATION
Double Board Certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon (International & European Boards – IBCFPRS & EBCFPRS)
Qualifications
- MBBS (Singapore)
- MRCS (Edinburgh)
- MMed (ORL)
- FAMS (ORL)
- IBCFPRS
- EBCFPRS
Global
Conference speaker
A highly regarded ENT specialist with a fellowship at the University of Virginia under Professor Stephen Park (Past President, American Academy of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery). Previously Chief of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Service at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Honorary Secretary of the Singapore Society of Otolaryngology.
Trained in Da Vinci robotic ENT surgery in South Korea and serves as ENT Lead Tutor at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. Has presented at international conferences across America, China, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Notable awards
Areas of focus
- Robotic ENT Surgery
- Facial Plastics
- Pediatric ENT
- Sleep Apnea
- Rhinoplasty
- Sinusitis
- Allergic Rhinitis