Not all methods of removing earwax are made equal. Dr. Nguyen-Huynh advises against using these two treatments:

Fabric swabs
Do not introduce the swab into the ear canal, the manufacturer's caution on the packaging clearly states. "A cotton swab operates like a ramrod in an old-style cannon," Dr. Nguyen-Huynh adds. The deeper you use it, the more earwax you push in because the tip pushes it in farther. Additionally, if you press too hard, your eardrums might burst. Alternatively, if you scrape your ear canal, bacteria and debris can now seep behind your skin and create an infection.


candles for removing earwax
You should avoid using this method entirely, advises Dr. Nguyen-Huynh, as these candles could burn you in addition to not working.

Why and when to clean your ears of wax
Even while earwax is typically more bothersome than harmful, there are situations when you need a doctor to remove it. If home cures don't work, your ear aches, or you have difficulties hearing, Dr. Nguyen-Huynh advises that you should seek medical attention.

Someone needs to examine the ear to see whether the ear canal is open or whether wax has blocked it.
Among the signs of an obstructed ear are:
-Pain
-You start to have trouble hearing.
-a sensation that something is in your ear and obstructing it
-Dizziness
-Tinnitus

You might be able to get your ears unblocked right away if the issue is minor. In the event that this does not occur, a physician can utilize operating microscopes to magnify within the ear canal, release the wax, and suction it out.


And there may be other reasons why an ear is blocked. Dr. Nguyen-Huynh issues a warning: "It may be a middle ear infection with fluid filling up the area behind the eardrum. "Alternatively, you might be suffering from an inner ear virus infection. In those circumstances, a doctor can make a diagnosis and provide treatment to stop permanent hearing loss.


However, as with most things in life, balance is key; too much wax can obstruct your ears, resulting in temporary hearing loss or infections. According to Dr. Nguyen-Huynh, "a tiny percentage of people will need cleaning if they create too much wax that plugs up the ear, especially if they have a smaller-than-average ear canal."