Signs and Symptoms of Earwax Buildup and Blockage

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing symptoms of earwax buildup and blockage, then you should see your doctor. Your doctor can examine your ear and evaluate the situation. Then, they can rule out other conditions and recommend treatment.

For instance, your doctor might give you the OK to use a home remedy. If that’s the case, then you can discuss each option’s pros and cons. Alternatively, your doctor might recommend professional removal to take care of the buildup.

How Doctors Remove Earwax

Should your doctor recommend professional removal, there are a couple of methods they might use. For instance, the Mayo Clinic says your doctor might use a water pick or a bulb syringe to flush out the earwax. Or the source says your doctor might opt to use a curet to scoop out the earwax.

And if earwax buildup is a problem you experience regularly, then your doctor might recommend using earwax-removal drops periodically. The source notes the importance of following the directions “because these drops can irritate the delicate skin of the eardrum and ear canal.”

Wet vs. Dry Earwax

Since earwax can be wet or dry, you might wonder what each variation means. According to Verywell Health, wet earwax has a “higher proportion of lipids” than dry earwax. So, wet earwax tends to be sticky, while dry earwax tends to be flaky.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, people of European and African descent are more likely to have wet earwax. On the other hand, the source says those of Asian, East Asian, and Native American descent are more likely to have dry earwax.