Earwax is normal and helps keep the ears clean by trapping dirt and germs. However, sometimes it builds up causing deafness, earache, fullness and ringing in the ear.

Wax-softening drops for several days (e.g. glycerol, olive oil, baby oil or commercial preparations) can soften the wax and help it fall out. Sometimes, your doctor may use a special ear syringe to squirt warm water into the ear to wash the wax out.

Never put objects like cotton buds or bobby pins into your ears. They only push wax further down the ear canal and can damage the delicate skin of the ear.