According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), more than 12 million people visit the doctor for troubles associated with ear wax buildup. And the foundation has offered guidelines regarding the best and worst ways to deal with the problem.

Ear wax is a protective mixture of secretions from your inner ear. Over time, the wax will work itself back into your ear or simply dry out. But the AAO-HNSF stated excessive buildup may require professional treatment if you experience pain, ringing in your ears, itching, odor, discharge, hearing loss or a feeling of fullness in your ears.

Peter Roland, lead author of the AAO-HNSF guidelines, said some buildup is normal and stressed avoiding these risky at-home treatments:

• Cotton swabs—these applicators can actually push the wax farther into the ear canal.
• Oral jet irrigators—intended for teeth cleaning, these appliances should never be used to flush the ear.
• Ear candling—the ancient practice of placing a cone-shaped hollow candle in the ear and lighting it to pull wax from the ear canal; candling can be extremely dangerous and ultimately ineffective.

The AAO-HNSF recommends simply washing your outer ear with a soft cloth. But they stress the need to avoid inserting anything directly in your ear.