Glands in the outer ear canal produce earwax in the quantities that every from person to person. In most cases, excess earwax causes no problems; it usually rolls right out of the ear on its own, or it can be renoved from the outer ear with a face cloth.

Hardened earwax can, however, becomes embedded in the ear, causing pain and interfering with hearing. If this happens, do not try remove the impacted earwax yourself. Cotton wool buds, bobby pins, sticks, pencils or other objects commonly used to dislodge earwax may only drive the wax further into the ear and damage the eardrum. Even using a water-filled bulb or syringe to dislodge the earwax may harm the ears. If wax is blocking your ears, see your doctor.