Why DIY Ear Wax Removal is a Bad Idea (And What Actually Works)

• Cotton buds don’t “clean” ears — they compact wax.
  The skin of the ear canal migrates outwards naturally, carrying old wax with it. Cotton buds disrupt this process and often push wax deeper, against the eardrum, causing impaction and worse hearing.
• Home syringing risks infection.
  Without sterile equipment, correct pressure control and professional assessment, water syringing can cause retained moisture, bacterial growth, or even perforation of the eardrum.
• Low-power suction devices = no real clearance
  Many OTC suction devices lack the negative pressure required to extract impacted wax. They may “whirr” but they simply don’t work.
• You could miss something serious.
  Hearing loss or a blocked sensation is not always caused by wax — it could indicate middle ear pathology, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, or even a cholesteatoma.
  Without a proper otoscopic examination, these conditions go undiagnosed.

• It’s the safest method for all ear types — even if you have grommets, perforations, or past surgeries.
• It works even with hard, impacted wax.
• It lets us check the health of your ear canal and eardrum at the same time

In short:

• Your ears are delicate. Your hearing matters.
• Trust them to a trained clinical audiologist — not a gadget or home kit.