Complications of Earwax

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Using a cotton bud or similar object can push the wax further into the ear and you may accidentally make a hole in your eardrum. This is called a perforated eardrum. As well as being painful this can cause hearing difficulties and increase your chance of getting ear infections. See topics on otitis media and otitis externa, for information on ear infections.

Syringing can also have some risks. If you have a perforated eardrum, syringing can push little pieces of wax into the inner ear. This may cause infections or permanent hearing loss. If you are already deaf in one ear, syringing will not be advised in the other, as there is a very small chance you could lose hearing in both. Talk to your GP for more information about treatments for earwax.