Ear Wax Buildup

Ear wax buildup in the outer ear is a perfectly normal function of the ear. Ear wax is the stuff your body makes to protect your ear canal from things like dirt and infection. However, if you have ear wax buildup in your inner ear, this usually means you've taken all the healthy ear wax from the outer ear and compacted it into your inner ear by using things like earplugs or cotton swabs.

Some people are also born with a condition called twisted ear canal, and this can cause earwax buildup because the twisted ear canal has a gentle bend in it, which makes it more difficult for the ear wax to flow out naturally.

If you experience itching, pain, dryness or hearing loss, then you might have excess ear wax buildup in your inner ear.

The best way to prevent ear wax buildup is simply to learn how to clean your ears properly. I would not suggest using cotton swabs or sticking anything inside your ear. You should never put anything very deep into your ear, in fact it is recommended that you simply use a damp washcloth draped over the end of your finger, and gently wiping only the parts of the ear you can reach with the washcloth-covered finger. Also, don't use a washcloth that is too wet or soapy, because excess moisture or soap inside the ear can cause infection.

Another easy technique that works for some people is called the hot water bottle technique. Simply fill the hot water bottle up with warm water, and lie down resting your head on the bottle, with your affected ear against the bottle. This helps loosen the ear wax as it melts, and the ear wax comes out much easier.

If those techniques don't work for you, then you could try one of the many earwax removal products available to buy online (click here). Just remember safety first, I wouldn't recommend any of the "ear picks" that are sold, just because you shouldn't stick something very deep in your ear, but some of the disolvers are mostly made of Carbamide Peroxide, which helps disolve plugs of earwax. If these products still don't help your ear wax, you should go see a doctor.