Seth R. Schwartz, M.D., M.P.H., otologist, neurotologist, and medical director for the Listen for Life Center at Virginia mason hospital in Seattle, reveals the right ways to treat the sticky stuff.

Ear wax, medically known as cerumen, serves as your body’s natural cleaning and protection system for the ears. While some odor is normal, understanding when that smell signals a problem can help ...

Ear wax, or cerumen, is a natural substance that helps protect and lubricate your ears. However, when it builds up excessively, it can cause discomfort, muffled hearing, and even infections. While a ...

Is it bad to clean earwax with a cotton swab? Yes. Wax protects your ear canal, and some amount is normal. Cotton swabs can irritate, scratch, or push wax in too deeply. If it gets impacted, only a ...

Ear drops with hydrogen peroxide may be a safe, cost-effective, and easy-to-use treatment to help remove earwax buildup at home. Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in liquid ear drops, known as ...

It says right there on the packaging: “Do not insert swab into ear canal.” Speak with an ear-nose-and-throat doctor, and you’ll hear the same thing. “We always say, ‘Never put anything smaller than ...

Unless your earwax is totally blocking your ear canal, you probably don't need it removed. But if you have a blockage, there are safe ways to get rid of it. You can try an over-the-counter earwax ...

Some people use a few drops of olive oil to reduce earwax buildup or treat an ear infection. While more research is needed, it may be safe to give this home remedy a try. It’s also a traditional ...

Earwax plays an important function in keeping our ears healthy, but too much can cause problems. The majority of people don't need earwax removal and excessive cleaning can damage your ears. But in ...

Earwax is, well, pretty gross, so it’s no wonder most of us reach for cotton swabs on a regular basis. But here’s the rub: There’s a good chance you’re putting your ears and your hearing at risk with ...

We have all done it, that satisfying twist of a cotton swab after a shower, believing we’re keeping our ears clean. It’s almost second nature. In many households, the tiny white stick is part of every ...