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Can I use earbuds to remove ear wax?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I frequently use earbuds due to itching in my ears since many years. People say it is not good to use earbuds. Please suggest me what should I do when I suffer from itching inside the ear. How do I remove ear wax? I also have a problem in my throat like throat dryness and irritation in the morning and when I drink cold water. Suggest me treatment for the same.

Answered by Dr. Jagdish Chaturvedi

Education:

DNB

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jagdish Chaturvedi is an innovative ENT specialist renowned for developing affordable medical devices that enhance rural healthcare. Known for creating low-cost solutions like Entraview and nasal foreign-body extractors, he expertly combines clinical precision, inventive problem-solving, and story-driven stand-up comedy, bringing empathy, humor, and forward-thinking care to both patients and healthcare technology.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The itching in your ear is very suggestive of a fungal infection in the ear canal. This is very common and the main symptom is itching.

Impacted ear wax can also create itching along with a fungal infection. Since you use earbuds, you may have impacted wax too.

So, I would suggest you use Soliwax ear drops (Paradichlorobenzene, Benzocaine, Chlorbutol, and Turpentine oil) three to five drops at night for five days and use Otek AC ear drops (Lidocaine, Beclometasone, Clotrimazole, and Furosemide) for the fungal infection in the morning (two drops) for five days.

Following this, you can go to an ENT specialist who will remove the wax and the fungal debris.

Prevent water from entering your ears and keep them dry.

Please note that if you have sticky watery or pus-like discharge from your ear or have excessive pain or fever then do not use the drops.

The irritation in your throat is probably due to a condition called LPRD (laryngopharyngeal reflux disease).

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At September 17, 2014
Reviewed At November 2, 2019

Education:

DNB

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jagdish Chaturvedi is an innovative ENT specialist renowned for developing affordable medical devices that enhance rural healthcare. Known for creating low-cost solutions like Entraview and nasal foreign-body extractors, he expertly combines clinical precision, inventive problem-solving, and story-driven stand-up comedy, bringing empathy, humor, and forward-thinking care to both patients and healthcare technology.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Companion

Ear Wax and Earbud Use Companion

How it works

Ear itching, ear wax, and throat irritation can be uncomfortable. Learn about common causes and what you can do.

1

Ear
Itching

2

Ear
Wax

3

Fungal
Infection

4

Ear
Drops

5

Water
Prevention

6

Throat
Irritation

When to seek care promptly

Ear symptoms accompanied by fever, severe pain, pus-like discharge, sudden hearing loss, facial weakness, spreading redness, or dizziness may indicate a serious infection or other condition requiring prompt medical attention. Do not rely on this question-preparation tool if you have these symptoms — seek medical care promptly, or go to the nearest emergency room if symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening.

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

Education:

DNB

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jagdish Chaturvedi is an innovative ENT specialist renowned for developing affordable medical devices that enhance rural healthcare. Known for creating low-cost solutions like Entraview and nasal foreign-body extractors, he expertly combines clinical precision, inventive problem-solving, and story-driven stand-up comedy, bringing empathy, humor, and forward-thinking care to both patients and healthcare technology.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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