10 Tips on Safe Ear Wax Removal

Hello, I’m Dr. Leslie Koh, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist practising in Singapore. Over my 15-year career, we have encountered countless patients with ear wax-related issues, many of whom inadvertently worsened their condition by using unsafe cleaning methods. Ear wax might seem trivial, but improper handling can lead to infections, hearing loss, or even eardrum damage. In this article, we will share practical, evidence-based tips to help you care for your ears safely—no medical jargon, just straightforward advice tailored to Singapore’s unique climate and lifestyle.

The Role of Earwax in Ear Health

Let’s start by reframing how we think about earwax. Cerumen, as it is medically known, is a natural marvel. Far from being “dirt,” it is a protective substance produced by glands in the outer ear canal. Its sticky texture traps dust, pollen, and even tiny insects (a common issue in Singapore’s tropical environment). It also contains lysozyme, an enzyme with antibacterial properties that shields the ear from infections.

In Singapore’s humidity, earwax plays an additional role: it acts as a moisturizer, preventing the sensitive skin of the ear canal from drying out and cracking. Problems arise only when wax accumulates excessively or becomes impacted. For example, we once treated a patient who developed severe itching and recurrent ear infections after using alcohol-based eardrops that stripped away his protective wax layer. His symptoms resolved only after we advised him to stop overcleaning and let his ears self-regulate.

Key takeaway: Earwax is your ear’s built-in defence system. Respect it!

How Often Should You Clean Your Ears?

This is the question I hear most often. The answer? For most people, never. The ear canal is designed to be self-cleaning. Movements from chewing, talking, or even smiling help migrate old wax outward, where it dries and falls out naturally.

However, Singapore’s heat and humidity can sometimes increase wax production. If you are prone to buildup—common in those with narrow ear canals or who wear hearing aids—gentle maintenance every 2–4 weeks may be needed. Focus only on the outer ear, using methods I’ll describe below.

Clinical example: A 45-year-old banker came to my clinic with muffled hearing. He had been using cotton swabs daily, convinced his ears were “dirty.” This habit compacted wax against his eardrum, requiring professional removal. After educating him on the ear’s self-cleaning mechanism, his issues ceased.

Avoid Overusing Cotton Swabs

Let us address the elephant in the room: cotton swabs (or “cotton buds”). While they are marketed for ear cleaning, they’re better suited for makeup touch-ups. Inserting swabs into the ear canal risks:

Pushing wax deeper leads to blockages.
Scratching the delicate ear canal skin, inviting infections.
Perforating the eardrum if inserted too far.

In Singapore, we have seen patients develop “swimmer’s ear” (otitis externa) after aggressive swabbing created microtears, allowing bacteria from pools or humid air to invade.

Safe alternative: After a shower, wipe the outer ear with a soft cloth. The steam softens wax, making it easier to remove superficially.

Use Oils to Loosen the Wax

For mild buildup, natural oils are a safe, effective solution. Olive oil, mineral oil, or baby oil (available at Guardian or Watsons) can soften wax over several days.

Step-by-step guide:

Warm the oil slightly by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water.
Tilt your head sideways and drip 2–3 drops into the affected ear.
Stay in this position for 5–10 minutes (use this time to scroll through social media!).
Repeat once daily for 3–5 days.

Clinical insight: A patient with a 3-month wax blockage avoided a clinic visit by using olive oil for five days. The wax softened enough to migrate out naturally, restoring her hearing.

Gently Massage Around the Ear

After applying oil, massage the area behind your earlobe and along your jawline. Use gentle circular motions to stimulate the ear canal’s natural movement. This technique is particularly helpful for elderly patients or those with limited jaw mobility (e.g., after dental surgery), as it compensates for reduced chewing-induced wax migration.

Pro tip: You can pair this with jaw exercises—like slowly opening and closing your mouth—to enhance wax movement.

Use a Warm, Damp Cloth

For visible wax at the entrance of the ear, a warm, damp cloth is ideal. Soak the cloth in water (test the temperature on your wrist first) and gently wipe the outer folds. Avoid inserting the cloth into the canal.

Why this works: The warmth relaxes the ear canal’s muscles, encouraging wax to move outward. This method is perfect for parents cleaning their children’s ears, as it is non-invasive and pain-free.

Over-the-Counter Ear Drops

Pharmacies like Unity or NTUC FairPrice stock eardrops (e.g., Otex, Waxsol) containing carbamide peroxide, which dissolves wax. Follow instructions meticulously:

Apply 2–3 drops twice daily.
Limit use to 5 days to avoid irritation.

Clinical note: These drops aren’t suitable for everyone. A diabetic patient with sensitive skin developed a rash after using them, requiring prescription antibiotic drops.

Use an Ear Irrigator

Irrigators, like bulb syringes or electronic devices, flush the ear with water. This needs to be used judiciously.

Safe technique:

Use lukewarm water to prevent dizziness.
Aim the stream at the ear canal’s roof, not the eardrum.
Stop immediately if you feel pain.

Case study: A construction worker with compacted wax used an irrigator but aimed incorrectly, causing temporary vertigo.

Professional Earwax Suction

When home methods fail, microsuction is the gold standard. Using a microscope and a tiny suction device, we gently remove blockages without touching the ear canal. The procedure is painless and takes 5-10 minutes.

Singapore context: Many patients delay visits due to cost concerns, but untreated blockages can lead to infections requiring pricier treatments.

When to Seek Help

Contact a doctor if you experience:

Sudden hearing loss.
Persistent ear pain or discharge.
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Dizziness or balance issues.

These could indicate infections, eardrum damage, or unrelated conditions like Meniere’s disease.

Contact Dr Leslie Koh – ENT Specialist in Singapore

If you are in Singapore and need expert care, our clinic at Mount Alvernia Hospital offers:

Comprehensive ear exams.
Pain-free wax removal.
Customized advice for ear hygiene.