You can clean your ears at home with a damp washcloth or over-the-counter drops. If your ears are impacted, a doctor can remove wax buildup. Do your ears feel blocked up? Excess wax can accumulate sometimes and make hearing difficult,

At the same time, you’ve probably read that using cotton swabs isn’t a safe way to remove the wax. Here are some tips on how to safely clean your ears, what not to do, and when you should contact a doctor. Symptoms of impaction- Earwax, or cerumen, is a self-cleaning agent your body produces. It collects dirt, bacteria, and other debris. Usually, the wax works its way out of the ears naturally through chewing and other jaw motions.Many people never need to clean their ears. Sometimes, though, wax can build up and affect your hearing. When earwax reaches this level, it’s called impaction. If you have impaction, you may experience symptoms like: aching in the affected ear ,fullness or ringing in the ear ,impaired hearing in the affected ear ,an odor coming from the affected ear ,dizziness ,a cough. You may be more likely to develop excess wax if you use hearing aids or earplugs. Older adults and people with developmental disabilities are also at higher risk. Your ear canal’s shape may make the natural removal of wax difficult. Best ways to clean your ears – The safest way to remove wax buildup from your ears is to visit a doctor. At your appointment, your doctor can use special instruments, like a cerumen spoon, forceps, or suction device, to clear the blockage. Many offices also offer professional irrigation. When to contact a doctor – The symptoms of earwax blockage include: feelings of fullness in the ear ,reduced or muffled hearing , an earache