The 10 Best Ear-Cleaning Kits of 2024, According to Audiology Experts
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It’s all about being safe and gentle
People / Lecia Landis
If you’ve noticed your favorite Taylor Swift playlist sounds a bit muffled or are finding some telltale gunk on your headphones, the best ear-cleaning kits can help you hear better; though otolaryngologist Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD tells PEOPLE, “ears clean themselves.”
Unlike the skin on the rest of your body, the skin of your ear canal actively creates wax (a.k.a. cerumen) on its outer third, which then moves in and out of your ear canal — where it can take any debris or dust with it. Plus, Dr. Chandrasekhar says, the wax itself protects the ear canal from infections. That’s all good and well, assuming you’re not sticking anything into your ears regularly. But now that we have in-ear headphones, ear plugs, and hearing aids, cleaning the ears has become more important, audiologist, executive director, and founder of HEAR 4U International H. Christopher Schweitzer, Ph.D. tells PEOPLE.
While the typical DIY methods have involved cotton swabs and bobby pins, both can do more harm than good (which we’ll get into below). With that in mind, we’ve asked our two experts to walk us through the best ear-cleaning kits, and how to use them. Since ear hygiene is highly personalized and specific to each person’s conditions, we can’t determine the best overall ear wax kit based on testing insights from our lab. However, with the help of expert knowledge and extensive product research, we hope the below insights help you find the best ear-cleaning kit for your needs.
Keep reading to discover our picks for the best ear-cleaning kits.
Best Overall: WAXIWAY Ear Wax Removal Kit
Who It's Good For
It’s great for those wanting a reusable, highly-rated ear-cleaning kit that includes everything you need at an affordable price point.
Who It's Not Good For
Since it can be tricky to use without a second person, it might not be the best option for those who live alone.
This kit fits the standard for ear wax removal solutions, which Dr. Schweitzer says usually “include a bulb or traditional syringe with a plastic or rubber tip.” He says these are used “to force a stream of solution, often including some combination of peroxide, glycerin, and other ingredients, towards the upper portion of the ear canal to help soften and flood the trapped cerumen back down and out.” Think of it as a gentle rinse, in which a liquid takes the place of a manual tool.
We love that this kit comes with every component you’ll need to perform the cleaning. This version uses a saline solution to loosen ear wax and flush it out, and it even comes with a basin and towel for easy cleanup. (Plus, you'll also get an ear bulb to remove any excess water.) Some users said it worked better than other products they used that were almost twice the price.
Considering the affordable price, comprehensiveness, and reusability of the set, this ear-cleaning kit snagged our top spot. While it has a basin, it might be challenging to hold the basin in place with one hand while spraying water precisely with the other. So, if you are tackling this process solo, you can always ditch the basin and go old school, using the spray while leaning over the sink.
Reusable: Yes | Removal Method: Irrigation | Number of Disposable Tips: 5
Best Hydrogen Peroxide Kit: QISXROVY Ear-Cleaning Kit
Who It's Good For
Anyone looking for an inexpensive kit that works well and includes lots of disposable tips.
Who It's Not Good For
This kit can also be tricky to use without a second person, especially if you haven’t used an ear-cleaning kit before.
If you’re nervous about spraying a cleaning solution into your ears, consider hydrogen peroxide, a tried-and-true remedy that releases oxygen into the wax buildup to slowly soften and break it up, creating a bubble-like sensation you can hear. Dr. Chandrasekhar says hydrogen peroxide-based kits are some of “the safest.” That’s because it’s a commonly used liquid and experts know exactly how much to use that won’t cause any damage (no more than five to 10 drops in your ears; and mix with water).
This kit works with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, which, we should note, isn’t included (but can be ordered on amazon.com). That said, it comes with a handy storage box to keep everything organized and 40 disposable tips for added value. Once you combine lukewarm water and hydrogen peroxide in the spray bottle, you can then spritz the solution into the clogged ear, where you can allow it to sit for a few minutes to soften the ear wax. Then, use the silicone bulb to remove the solution from the ears (and any dissolved ear wax). For any stragglers, the kit also includes looped tools that can be used to manually pull the wax out. It’s easier to use this kit with two people, but it's still feasible for one.
Reusable: Yes | Removal Method: Irrigation | Number of Disposable Tips: 40
Best for Hearing Aids: Tilcare Ear Wax Removal Tool
Who It's Good For
Anyone looking for a gentle spray with plenty of disposable tips, especially good for those with sensitive ears.
Who It's Not Good For
Those who are looking for a stronger solution with no possibility of having to repeat to fully flush out wax.
Hearing aids are known to contribute to wax buildup, and thanks to FDA approval, they’re likely to be a well-used over-the-counter solution for mild to moderate hearing loss. If you wear hearing aids, Dr. Chandrasekhar suggests having “your ears checked at least once per year” or more often if you think your ears are “clogged” or your hearing aids are acting up, “presumably due to wax accumulation.” She adds that while using hearing aids helps with communication, they can “block the ear’s natural cleaning mechanism to some degree” so wearers should be more conscious about ear care.
If that’s the case, this gentle rinse can help. Not only does it come with 30 disposable tips to keep it hygienic amid frequent usage, but the spray bottle also features a softer spray — and can be filled with a hydrogen peroxide solution. The only downside of a gentle solution is it might take a few tries to get all the wax out — not a dealbreaker by any means, but perhaps a con to some. Like our best overall pick, this kit is also a comprehensive set with a basin, towel, and ear bulb, so you have everything you need in one place when it’s time to clean your ears.
Reusable: Yes | Removal Method: Irrigation | Number of Disposable Tips: 30
Best Manual Cleaning Tool: Ototek Loop Ear Wax Removal Device
Who It's Good For
Anyone looking for an easy-to-use, non-irrigation tool without multiple steps or extensive setup.
Who It's Not Good For
Those who want something more durable or long-lasting, as plastic is prone to bending and breaking.
This plastic loop kit is a good option to consider if you’re anti-irrigation — meaning you don’t want to spray or pour liquid into your ears. “Plastic loops are included with some kits,” says Dr. Schweitzer, who recommends approaching these with extreme caution. While you should avoid sticking objects in your ears, especially the dreaded cotton swab (somewhere an audiologist just cringed), “careful use” of a plastic loop can be “effective for pulling out the wax,” says Dr. Schweitzer.
This tool almost acts like a hollowed-out spoon, allowing you to manipulate the wax and maneuver it out of the ear canal: a delightfully simple task. And there are safety measures in place to help avoid any accidents. Since it's made of plastic, it's unlikely to scratch, and the tool includes a safety stopper that prevents you from sticking it in too far. It can also be endlessly washed and reused, although since it’s a plastic tool, it’s prone to breaking if you put enough pressure on it.
Reusable: Yes | Removal Method: Manual | Number of Disposable Tips: 0
Easiest to Use: Vafee Soft Silicone Ear Cleaning Tool
Who It's Good For
Anyone looking for an ergonomic tool with soft silicone tips that requires little cleanup.
Who It's Not Good For
Those who usually deal with hard ear wax instead of soft.
As mentioned earlier, generic cotton swabs are generally regarded as a no-go by experts. “They will mostly push the wax in deeper, past the middle narrowing of the ear canal which is called the isthmus,” says Dr. Chandrasekhar. (Plus, they can scratch the skin of the ear canal, leading to bleeding, pain, and even the risk of infection.) That’s where this handy tool is different. While it may be similar in use to your average Q-tip, it contains a spiraled head that gives wax a place to go: namely, outside your ear, versus farther inside.
To prevent scratches, the tool features a disposable, soft silicone tip attached to an ergonomic handle, which allows you to twist it according to the direction of the arrow on the handle. Though, like any object you stick in your ears, it's better to start slowly rather than risk going too deep into the ear canal. It’s an easy tool to maintain because the body of the device is washable, and the tips are disposable, which makes for quick cleanup, too. Plus, it comes with 16 replacement tips. And should you be dealing with hard wax, you might want to consider using hydrogen peroxide to break it up first, and then using this tool to pull it out once softened.
Reusable: Yes | Removal Method: Manual | Number of Disposable Tips: 16
Best Softening: Debrox Earwax Removal Kit
Who It's Good For
Those who have a lot of hard ear wax.
Who It's Not Good For
Anyone who has soft wax that wants it to be cleaned out right away.
While new ear wax is already soft, “older wax can get hard and become entangled in hairs in the cerumen-producing gland,” says Dr. Schweitzer. “Ear-softening products can be helpful in that case.” You can also use them to prep your ears ahead of irrigation removal (or manual removal, as mentioned above). “Hard, dry buildups may take several treatments,” Dr. Schweitzer notes. (Still no luck? You might need to visit your doctor, he says.)
This ear-cleaning kit pairs liquid drops, powered by carbamide peroxide (a water-soluble cousin to hydrogen peroxide), to soften tough ear wax before you flush it with water. It also comes with a bulb, which helps remove any excess moisture by suctioning it out with manual air pressure (via squeezing it). The drops also create a tiny lather, so you feel like it's working, too. With drops like these, it may help to lie down for a few minutes after applying so the liquid doesn’t run out of your ear before it breaks up the wax.
Reusable: Drops only | Removal Method: Irrigation | Number of Disposable Tips: 0
Best for Kids: Bonny Ears Ear Wax Removal Tool
Who It's Good For
Parents looking for an easy way to remove ear wax, thanks to the helpful LED light and soft silicone tips.
Who It's Not Good For
Those who don’t have time to thoroughly wash the reusable tips (if they aren’t cleaned well, it could make the ears even worse).
Infants, toddlers, and kids get ear wax, too — in fact, research has found that one in 10 children experiences ear wax buildup. While it’s tempting to take a cotton swab to your toddler’s waxy ears, hold off, since it’s more likely to push that wax into the ear canal. “This will clog the ear further and make it harder or impossible for the wax to clean itself out,” says Dr. Chandrasekhar.
Instead, make it seem fun (and less intimidating) to scrape out the gunk with this cute kit, which features animals on the curette handles. These tools work similarly to the plastic loop model, but instead of a loop, there are three solid tip options each designed to scoop out the wax. The kit also includes an LED light that allows you to see what you’re doing. You’ll also get silicone tip covers for a softer, more comfortable feel, and all of the tips are reusable after washing; which you should do thoroughly after each use. As always, though, proceed with caution, especially if you’re removing ear wax from another person — and therefore might not know how it feels as you’re working.
Reusable: Yes | Removal Method: Manual | Number of Disposable Tips: 12 reusable tips
Best Professional: Doctor Easy Elephant Ear Washer Bottle System
Who It's Good For
Those who want an irrigation system that’s reusable and user-friendly so they don’t have to make doctor appointments as often — such as the elderly.
Who It's Not Good For
People who want a manual system rather than irrigation.
This physician-designed ear-cleaning kit is part of a collection known as “Doctor Easy”: A collection of medical products that bring clinic-level service into the comfort of home. The Elephant Ear Washer, no doubt named for its trunk-esque attachment, is an irrigation tool that flushes the wax buildup out of your ear. To use this kit, simply fill the bottle with an ear-cleaning solution (like this one on amazon.com), maneuver the attachment into your ear, and spray.
We suggest spraying the solution into your ear while leaning over a sink or tub to give the wax a place to go when it’s rinsed out. The kit comes with three disposable tips (so no need to clean them). And for those who might not be comfortable with an irrigation kit due to the discomfort of having water in your ear, we have manual options on our list as well. Overall, we think this would be an ideal ear-cleaning kit for someone who needs professional cleanings but might not be able to make it to the doctor’s office as often, such as those in the elderly community.
Reusable: Yes | Removal Method: Irrigation | Number of Disposable Tips: 3 (larger pack sold separately)
Best Camera-Equipped: Leiput Ear Wax Remover Tool
Who It's Good For
People dealing with built-up ear wax that’s hard to find and dislodge.
Who It's Not Good For
People who don’t need or want a close-up look at their ear wax.
If you haven't had much success with removing your ear wax, consider this wireless cleaner, which is equipped with LED lights and a high-definition camera so you can see exactly what you're working with. It has a 360-degree lens for a surprisingly large field of vision and connects via Wi-Fi to an app on your phone that allows you to more easily navigate and clean the ear. (You can even use the camera to take photos and record videos for your files if you want.)
The tool is rechargeable via USB, holds up to 90 minutes of power, and comes with soft, reusable silicone tips in three shapes to suit your ear canal; you can use them to scoop out ear wax while streaming the process on your phone.
We like that both the metal head and silicone tips are removable, so they’re easy to wash and reuse. The only drawback is that all of the tips are around the same length, so you can’t get much further into the ear in the event you want to go deeper. (However, that might be a good thing.)
Reusable: Yes | Removal Method: Manual | Number of Disposable Tips: 6 reusable tips
Best for Itch: Clinere Ear Cleaners
Who It's Good For
This product is good for anyone looking for instant relief.
Who It's Not Good Forxfmanual
It's not for those looking for a hands-off ear-cleaning option.
If you’re looking for instant relief from earwax buildup and minor outer ear itching, this dual-sided tool from Clinere is a great choice. Made of soft plastic, this ear cleaner has a flexible scoop on one side to remove soft wax and a soft fin on the other that can relieve itching, exfoliate the skin, and help sweep the outer ear.
It comes in a package that includes 10 reusable plastic ear cleaners, so it can be washed and used over again, but since it’s made of plastic, it is more likely to break over time. It’s also worth noting that this is a hands-on tool, so it might not be just right for those who prefer an irrigation-style ear-cleaning product.
Reusable: Yes | Removal Method: Manual | Number of Disposable Tips: 10 reusable tips
How to Pick the Right Ear-Cleaning Kit
Price
Great news: You don’t have to shell out for better hearing. “The available home kits come in a large price range from a few dollars to tens of dollars, but effectiveness isn’t necessarily directly related to cost,” says Schweitzer. If you want a quality ear-cleaning kit without a high price tag, we recommend either the Ototek Loop Ear Wax Removal Device or the Debrox Earwax Removal Kit. All of our ear-cleaning kit picks fall between $10 and $40, so depending on what you’re comfortable spending, there are lots of good options for different budgets. If you do want a more elevated ear-cleaning product, you can grab the professional-grade Elephant Ear Washer Bottle System by Doctor Easy. Not necessarily cheap, but considering it’s a medical device — not too shabby.
Removal Method
All ear-cleaning kits are not created equal. For starters, “I do not recommend any of the new devices that look like corkscrews and either manually or electrically purport to clean your ear,” says Dr. Chandrasekhar. “These are not safe or indicated, in my opinion.” (Our list doesn’t include any of these as a result.) Dr. Schweitzer also recommends ear-cleaning kits that can remove the ear wax without worsening the plug of wax (which can get inadvertently knotted into hair cells). “Professionals usually use a lighted loop tool to pull out a buildup after ‘irrigating’ with a sterile solution,” he says. Should you want to combine several techniques for a seamless removal, you can combine drops or a liquid solution like hydrogen peroxide — such as the QISXROVY Ear-Cleaning Kit — to break up the hard wax, and then use a tool like the Ototek Loop Ear Wax Removal Device to scoop out the pieces.
Safety
As our experts said, certain ear-cleaning solutions are safer than others, but at the end of the day, the less you do the better. If you have nothing on hand, your pinky finger will suffice, though Dr. Chandrasekhar says a washcloth is also “fine as it cannot go deeper than the meatus” (or the front opening of the ear canal). If you have access to a proper ear-cleaning kit, we suggest avoiding electronic or corkscrew technology, whereas irrigation and manual kits are perfectly safe when used properly. The key is to irrigate slowly, rather than shooting a burst of water or solution in your ear. When using a manual kit, don’t stick the tool in too deep — stay near the opening of the ear canal. And if you’re reaching for hydrogen peroxide, the golden rule applies — no more than 10 drops. Period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest way to clean your ears?
Speaking in terms of sheer safety, it’s best to keep everything away from the ear canal. As both of our experts have mentioned, the ear really will clean itself. But in certain cases, ear wax buildup can lead to partial hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and other concerning symptoms, so sometimes it’s necessary to help your ear with the ear-cleaning process. “If you feel that wax is at the opening of the ear canal — also called the meatus — you can use your pinky finger to remove it,” says Dr. Chandrasekhar, who notes that this is only if your nails are cut short.
Following the leave-it-alone method and your finger, a washcloth is also advised to remove ear wax. And to make the process even simpler (and frankly, more effective), we’ve provided eight cleaning kits that will unclog your ears with ease.
What happens if you don't clean your ears for years?
“Absolutely nothing,” says Dr. Chandrasekhar. Again, ears clean themselves. Unless you’re working with a hearing condition, need a hearing aid, or tend to produce a lot of ear wax, there’s not much maintenance required. That being said, should you want to ensure good ear hygiene, these cleaning kits create an easy way to regularly address ear wax buildup which can prevent you from getting the most out of listening devices like noise-canceling earbuds and headphones.
How do you know if you have ear wax buildup?
If you see ear wax on your earbuds or wired headphones, then you might have some buildup. Simply seeing it doesn’t necessarily mean you have buildup and need an ear-cleaning kit. Although it's probably a sign that you should break out that earbud cleaning kit. “People are now coming in with pictures of their ear canal that they’ve taken on their smartphones, ‘proving’ their wax,” Dr. Chandrasekhar says. “Unfortunately for them, the ear canal is not straight and they have often just taken a picture of the wall of the canal, which may have a little wax on it — but the lumen, or opening, of the canal is just fine.” If you try one of our recommended ear-cleaning kits, you’ll be able to tell right away if there’s buildup, particularly if you try one with a light like the Leiput Ear Wax Remover Tool.
Take Our Word For It
Deanna Pai has been covering health and wellness for over 10 years, writing deeply reported stories on everything from how much protein we actually need to the merits of intermittent fasting. She spoke with an audiologist and otolaryngologist to get details on what to look for and best practices. They shared the recommendations for their favorite products as well as how to shop for the best ear wax cleaning kits. PEOPLE's Senior Commerce Writer Madison Yauger, who updated this article, has tested hundreds of lifestyle products and always goes the extra mile to provide the best recommendations. Together, they consulted experts and sourced the best ear-cleaning kits that leave your ears wax-free.
Meet Our Experts
Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD is an otolaryngologist who practices in New York and New Jersey.
H. Christopher Schweitzer, PhD is an audiologist and the executive director of HEAR 4U International.
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