Ask your doctor about other home wax removal methods if wax buildup is a recurrent problem. A commercial alcohol-boric acid preparation is available for the same purpose. Don't poke them with objects such as cotton swabs, paper clips or bobby pins. Avoid flushing wax out of your ears if you've had a previous eardrum perforation or ear surgery, unless your doctor approves. If infection is a concern, don't flush your ears.
Many people have difficulty washing wax out of their ears.
If this is true for you, your health care provider can remove excessive wax in a procedure similar to the self-care method. He or she uses a special instrument to scoop the wax out of the ear or suction it out. If this is a recurring problem, your doctor may recommend using a wax-removal medication every 4 to 8 weeks.