Q-Tips

As an audiologist I frequently get asked questions and I’d like to share the questions and answers in the hopes it touches on subjects you have been wondering about.

I was recently asked:

“Can I use Q-tips to remove ear wax?  “

Answer:

Q-tips are not recommended due to the fact they often push the wax back into the ear canal causing more of a buildup. The skin in the ear canal naturally grows from the inside out and carries the wax with it. When we use a cotton swab it often pushes the wax back into the canal. The preferred methods to remove wax are allowing water to flush out the wax. This can be done while in the shower by simply letting the water stream from the shower head flush the canal.

Another effective method is to purchase an Ear Flush Kit at a pharmacy. The kits usually include a wax softener and a bulb to flush the ear.

Regular use of these methods will help keep the wax at bay.

It should be noted, if you have a known hole in your ear drum allow a professional (MD or Audiologist) to remove the wax.