Drop the Q-Tip, guidelines for earwax removal

First guidelines for earwax discourage manual removal

When your child complains of hearing problems, think twice before reaching for a cotton swab to remove earwax. Dr. Peter Roland, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Children’s and chairman of Otolaryngology at UT Southwestern, has published the first guidelines for earwax removal.

“Unfortunately, many people feel the need to manually remove earwax, called cerumen, which serves an important protective function for the ear,” Dr. Roland said. “Cotton swabs and other home remedies can push cerumen further into the canal, potentially foiling the natural removal process and instead causing impaction.”

He added, “When cerumen builds to the point of causing symptoms such as pain, ringing, itching or hearing problems, it’s a sign you should see a physician.”

Earwax provides a protective barrier

Earwax is not actually wax, but a mix of secretions produced in the outer area of the ear canal, along with hair and dead skin. The mix serves a role for the ear and shouldn’t be removed unless it’s causing symptoms or interfering with an ear exam.

“The complications from cerumen impaction can be painful and include infections and hearing loss,” Dr. Roland said.

Ear cleaning the right way

The new guidelines are based on extensive reviews of scientific studies for a wide range of healthcare professionals from family doctors and pediatricians, to ear, nose and throat specialists. The American Academy of Otolaryngology has endorsed the guidelines.

Professionals are encouraged to use wax-dissolving agents, irrigation or ear syringing, or manually remove it with a suction device or other specialty instruments under supervised care. At-home use of cotton-tipped swabs and oral jet irrigators are strongly discouraged.

Tags: earwax , cotton swab , hearing , earwax removal , earwax guidelines , ear infection