Should I try and remove all of the wax out of my ears?

Reviewed by:
Published on:
June 25, 2026

No. Our ear makes wax to keep the canal healthy, trap dust and dirt, and makes a smell that insects don’t like, to stop them from making a home in our ear canals. Some ear wax is good. If your ears don’t move the wax out and it builds up and blocks your ears, that’s when it becomes a problem, and you need professional help to remove it.

If you’re tempted to remove it yourself, it’s worth reading about what can go wrong with DIY ear cleaning, and you can browse the Ear Wax Removal category page for more.

Up Next
Does my hearing affect my balance?
Written by:
What colour should my wax be?
Read article
What is earwax?
Read article
How do I know if I have an ear infection?
Read article
How do I clean my ears?
Read article
Can I use cotton buds to clean my ears?
Read article
What is Tympa Health?
Read article
Cholesteatoma: A Guide to This Ear Growth
Read article
I tried cleaning my ears with a bobby pin, and now blood is coming out of my ear. What should I do?
Read article
Why do I have itchy ears?
Read article
I tried cleaning my ears with a bobby pin, and now blood is coming out of my ear. What should I do?
Read article
Can I use cotton buds to clean my ears?
Read article
How do I clean my ears?
Read article
What colour should my wax be?
Read article
How do I know if I have an ear infection?
Read article
Should I try and remove all of the wax out of my ears?
Read article
Cholesteatoma: A Guide to This Ear Growth
Read article
What is earwax?
Read article

Should I try and remove all of the wax out of my ears?

Written by:
Reviewed by:
Blog length:
 min read
Published:
November 11, 2022
Updated:
June 25, 2026
Summary
No items found.
Summary
No items found.

Resonate. The Podcast

New Zealand’s home for honest conversations about hearing and healthy ageing.