Earwax protects the ear canal from things that may enter it, including:
- water
- shampoo and conditioner
- dirt
- viruses, fungi, and bacteria
Several glands in the outer part of the ear produce earwax, which is sometimes called cerumen. Earwax also includes the old skin cells of the ear canal, which shed into it. In most cases, earwax is a sticky, yellow substance. However, it occasionally has a darker color, such as brown or black.
By knowing some of the potential causes, most of which are benign, a person can take steps to prevent and treat black earwax.
Causes and risk factors
Earwax can build up and become black.
When earwax is in the ear for long periods, its color will start to darken. The longer the wax remains there, the darker it will appear.
Research on the effects of earwax accumulation shows that males and older adults are more likely than other people to experience buildups of earwax.
In general, as a person ages, the earwax becomes drier and does not clear the ear canal as quickly or easily. As a result, earwax can build up and change from yellow to black.
However, black earwax can affect anyone. The following are some of the most common causes of black earwax.
Excessive earwax buildup
In most people, earwax naturally and regularly exits a person’s ears. However, if this does not happen quickly enough or the glands produce too much earwax, it can build up in the ear canal and become darker.
Insertion of foreign objects
People who use earbuds, earplugs, hearing aids, or any other object that they routinely place in the ear have a higher chance of developing black earwax. These foreign objects can both push earwax back into the ear canal and block earwax from exiting the ear.
Compressed earwax
The insertion of foreign objects into the ear can also lead to compressed earwax. People who regularly clean their ears with cotton buds run the risk of pushing the earwax back into the ear and compressing it against the eardrum.
In addition to becoming darker, compressed earwax can cause various symptoms, such as earaches, hearing loss, and dizziness.
Home remedies
Performing ear irrigation can help dislodge black earwax.
In most cases, black earwax does not pose a health concern or risk. However, if it becomes a problem, a person can usually treat it with home remedies. Anyone who experiences additional symptoms may also wish to speak to a doctor.
People can try the following home remedies for black earwax. It is important to note that these treatments are not suitable for those who have a hole in the eardrum, including one that is due to tube placement or a tear.
Ear irrigation
Ear irrigation involves the use of warm water, sometimes with an essential oil or hydrogen peroxide.
To irrigate the ear, a person should:
- Fill a small, rubber syringe or bulb with warm water or a mixture of warm water and a few drops of an essential oil or hydrogen peroxide.
- Tilt the head so that the affected ear is facing toward the ceiling and place the head over the sink.
- Insert the syringe tip just over the opening of the ear canal.
- Gently squirt the water into the ear and let it drain out.
- Repeat with the other ear if necessary.
A person may also want to try positioning the ear toward the sink while irrigating it to allow the water and wax to drain with gravity from the ear.
Ear irrigation is generally a safe and effective way to remove a buildup of earwax from the ears.
Ear drops
Ear drops are another at-home treatment option. The most common over-the-counter (OTC) ear drops are:
- hydrogen peroxide
- natural oils, such as olive oil, mineral oil, and baby oil
- ear drop solutions
When a person drops the solution into the opening of the ear, hard and dry wax absorbs it. This absorption should soften the earwax and make it easier to clear from the ear canal. It may help to take a shower a few minutes after applying ear drops to help rinse out the softened earwax.
Earwax removal drops are available to purchase online. Some drops contain peroxide.
Medical treatments
If at-home treatments are not successful or pain accompanies the black earwax, a person should speak to their doctor about potential treatments. A doctor may check for underlying conditions if this is the person’s first visit for this symptom.
Some methods that a doctor may try include:
- irrigation with a special tool for cleaning out earwax
- suction using a vacuum tool
- removing earwax with a specialized tool called a curette
Prevention
Taking regular showers can help loosen earwax.
Often, simply leaving the ears alone may help prevent excess wax from building up. Most of the time, with showers and jaw movement, the ears are self-cleaning and require no interference.
People should avoid cleaning their ears with long objects. Anyone with a history of wax buildups may also want to consider avoiding or limiting the use of earbuds and other devices that require insertion into the ears.
A doctor may prescribe medication to help soften a person’s earwax over time. This medication can help prevent the accumulation of earwax that can lead to black earwax and other side effects.
When to see a doctor
A person should speak to a doctor if this is their first time experiencing black earwax. A doctor may refer a person to an ear, nose, and throat specialist or check for underlying conditions before treatment.
A person should also seek medical attention if they experience any additional symptoms, including:
- pain in the ear
- nausea
- dizziness
- a feeling of fullness in the ear
- itchiness in the ear
- a cough
- discharge from the ear canal
- ringing in the ears
- difficulty hearing
Finally, a person should speak to their doctor before they start an at-home treatment and let them know if the treatment does not work.
Takeaway
Black earwax is rarely a cause for concern. Additional symptoms tend to be mild, and people can usually treat them with home remedies.
Most people should leave their ears alone and practice good hygiene, and they will not experience an excessive buildup of earwax.
Anyone experiencing bothersome symptoms alongside black earwax should speak to a doctor.
