--- title: "Ear Wax Build-Up Treatment | Sutter Health" description: "How do I get a buildup of wax out of my ears? My friend suggested an over-the-counter product (Deprox). Are there any home remedies that I can use, and what do you think of ear candles?" url: "/ask-an-expert/answers/ear-wax-build-up-treatment-1051061308" --- 1. Home / 2. Ear Wax Build-Up Treatment # Ear Wax Build-Up Treatment * * * Medically reviewed by - Wendy Schreuder, M.S. ## Question How do I get a buildup of wax out of my ears? My friend suggested an over-the-counter product (Deprox). Are there any home remedies that I can use, and what do you think of ear candles? ## Answer Ear wax build-up is something we see daily in our clinic. It can range from very small amounts of wax that is not blocking the ear canal to large hard “plugs” of wax that can completely occlude the ear canal and even cause other symptoms (tinnitus, dizziness, hearing loss, pain and pressure). The best way to clean the ears at home is with ear wax softening drops (i.e. Debrox, Murine or a generic version) used to first soften the wax, then flushing the ears with warm water and a small ear syringe (available at pharmacies). Before you stick anything in your ears, check with your health care provider to be sure you do not have any medical conditions that might make home ear wax removal dangerous. In other words, if you have a hole in your eardrum or have had surgery on your ears, it is best to have an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor remove the wax. As far as ear candles go, I am not at all a fan of using lighted sheets of wax and wick next to the ear or hair. There is no proof that they are more effective than traditional rinsing, and according to an ENT doctor I have worked with, these ear candles can be very dangerous. Please speak to your ENT doctor before using wax and fire near your head. ## Explore related topics Ear, nose and throatEars ## Related questions View all questions - Health Q&A ### Are Two Hearing Aids Needed? I have two hearing aids, but find that sometimes when I use both, the sound is too intense, so I remove one. Are two hearing aids really necessary? - Health Q&A ### Diabetes and Hearing Loss I have diabetes and I read recently that people with this disease have a higher risk of hearing problems. Why would this be, and is there anything I can do to prevent it? - Health Q&A ### Hearing Loss My husband has been complaining that I'm not hearing everything he says. If I had hearing loss, wouldn't I certainly know it? - Health Q&A ### Hearing Loss Research Is there any research being done to help treat and prevent hearing loss? 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In other words, if you have a hole in your eardrum or have had surgery on your ears, it is best to have an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor remove the wax. As far as ear candles go, I am not at all a fan of using lighted sheets of wax and wick next to the ear or hair. There is no proof that they are more effective than traditional rinsing, and according to an ENT doctor I have worked with, these ear candles can be very dangerous. 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