Ear Wax: Symptoms of Buildup and Treatments

Earwax is a normal, natural protectant the body produces that lubricates and cleans the ears. However, too much wax can become an issue, causing narrowing of the ear canal or occlusion. Dr. Maithilee Menezes, Otolaryngologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, describes symptoms of ear wax buildup and how you can treat it. Most of the time the body will self-clean, but some over-the-counter products can be used to help soften the wax and make it easier to gently come out. Your child’s pediatrician may also refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor who can use special instruments to examine and flush out ear wax buildup. For questions about ear wax impaction, talk to your pediatrician or contact St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

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The St. Louis Children’s Hospital YouTube station is intended as a reference and information source only. If you suspect you have a health problem, you should seek immediate care with the appropriate health care professionals. The information on this website is not a substitute for professional care, and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. For help finding a doctor, St. Louis Children’s Hospital Answer Line may be of assistance at 314.454.KIDS (5437). The opinions expressed in these videos are those of the individual writers, not necessarily St. Louis Children’s Hospital or Washington University School of Medicine. BJC HealthCare and Washington University School of Medicine assume no liability for the information contained in this website or for its use.