A 48-year-old member asked:
What's a safe and effective way to clean ear wax?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Astrachananswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 39 years experience
Have an expert do it: Wax on the outside of the ear canal is easily removed with a wash cloth or other cleaning measure. You should never put anything into the canal including qtips, peroxide or other drops. The vast majority of ear problems i see are due to well intentioned patients cleaning their ears. I would strongly recommend avoiding anything in the canal. If you have a problem see an ENT and then start fresh.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 32-year-old member asked:
Which is safest and most effective way to clean ear wax?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bernstein Joelanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 62 years experience
Hydrogen : If ear wax is excessive and difficult to remove, it may be a genetic predisposition. Hydrogen peroxide for me has been a safe, inexpensive and very satisfactory method to soften ear wax, making it easy to wash out. I have very strong feelings that ear wax should always be removed by a specialist and not a nurse practitioner.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Are waterpiks safe for ear wax?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Martinanswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 30 years experience
Ear flushing: Waterpiks use high pressure water, and i would be concerned about damage to the ear drum with this. I wouldn't use anything stronger than the bulb syringe that comes with the wax removal kits you can get at the drug store.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 14, 2018
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
