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[Dan Mortensen]

While this is good advice (get your ears cleaned), I know two people who had their ears cleaned using some kind of vacuum device that left them with burst eardrums. One on one case, two in the other. (Second one now deceased due to old age.)

Both were audio people, one ear was an AV system designer/acoustician, two ears had been a very famous recording engineer many years prior.

Both were always angry how some medical assistant ruined their hearing permanently.

So get your ears cleaned, but make sure it's done carefully.

[Caleb Dueck]

I had mine done a few decades ago at a walk in clinic. They put a few drops of a syrupy peroxide product, let it sit for a few minutes. Then they used a large syringe with a small plastic tube to shoot warm water in to displace the wax plugs.

Later, I bought an earwax removal kit at the pharmacy that had a similar peroxide syrup and a rubber syringe. When the peroxide solution was used up I just used normal hydrogen peroxide.

The peroxide reacts with the wax and generates heat that softens it while the bubbles help to mechanically dislodge it.

I've done the peroxide method a few times, but more as a way to minimize a cold, as it kills off a bunch of nasties that like to live in the warm, moist environment.  If I were actively mixing, I would have done some before/after tests. 
   

[brian maddox]

While this is good advice (get your ears cleaned), I know two people who had their ears cleaned using some kind of vacuum device that left them with burst eardrums. One on one case, two in the other. (Second one now deceased due to old age.)

Both were audio people, one ear was an AV system designer/acoustician, two ears had been a very famous recording engineer many years prior.

Both were always angry how some medical assistant ruined their hearing permanently.

So get your ears cleaned, but make sure it's done carefully.

A valid caution. If you go to get your ears cleaned and they come at you with anything other than a simple syringe full of warm water, exercise due caution.

[Mac Kerr]

A valid caution. If you go to get your ears cleaned and they come at you with anything other than a simple syringe full of warm water, run away.

I have had mine done by an audiologist with the water jet and vacuum method. The surgeon who did my head and neck dissection in '17 also used that method. If I remember correctly, Pete Erskine also had his done that way. It was painless, quick, and effective.

Mac

[Dave Garoutte]

I had it done at the clinic once when i had a big wad of wax mushed in by a foolish person with a q-tip(me).
Since then I do it while showering every couple of weeks.
I often see little chunks of wax float away on the floor. Very satisfying.

[brian maddox]

I have had mine done by an audiologist with the water jet and vacuum method. The surgeon who did my head and neck dissection in '17 also used that method. If I remember correctly, Pete Erskine also had his done that way. It was painless, quick, and effective.

Mac

And there you have it. Proof that I am not an expert on everything.

I think all I've ever had done is just a big syringe with warm water that they flushed my ears with, sometimes quite vigorously. But if qualified personnel choose other methods, who am I to suggest this is a bad thing?

After all, I prefer to use Yamaha Consoles and d&b loudspeaker systems. I suspect there are others on this forum with equivalent experience and knowledge that would make other choices...

[Mark Hannah]

I'd like to recommend going to an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist. An otolaryngologist. Before retiring from the military, I went yearly. I was able to argue for a referral to the specialist because of my career field. Heck, I'm due for that annual visit. Anyway... Very tiny "spoons" are used to remove the built up wax. It has become somewhat uncomfortable as I've aged (more ear hair) but it is not painful.

Many primary care doctors recommend a hydrogen peroxide solution (make yourself as instructed by your otolaryngologist or buy Debrox) to soften up the wax but it can cause build up by compacting over time. The method does not tend to soften the wax enough for it to flow out of the ear along with the solution. The otolaryngologists I saw told me that if I was disciplined and immediately started using the solution on a weekly basis (up to daily when using IEMs and/or working in a dirty/dusty environment) after the medical cleaning, that the route would be helpful. Like going to the dentist, being guilted into flossing but then failing after a few weeks.

I would recommend staying away from the suction method.

Disclaimer: I'm sharing my experience. I'm not a practicing medical provider!

[Randy Pence]

i use drops of 3% peroxide. Tilt, drop, and drain after the fizzing stops. Some people are allergic to peroxide, so best to first test somewhere less critical

[Steve Litcher]

My local audiologist uses a scope-like device along with a little scoop or claw to grab anything that I can't take care of manually. An appointment with hearing test is $45, including the cleaning. Money well spent year over year. Thankfully I don't build-up too much wax... but the peroxide info is helpful - thanks to everyone for sharing.

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