 [ Symptoms ] i was given an iv incorrectly in the er which gave me superficial thrombophlebitis [ Disease ] the amount and consistency of earwax is genetically determined so there is really nothing you can do to limit what you make earwax is not dirt it is a very beneficial protective coating for the ear canal when people attempt to remove it    usually with frequent use of q tips    the body will just make even more since it is supposed to be there q tips are the most common cause of wax impaction since they tend to pack it deeper in the ear canal just like loading a civil war cannon so if you use them and i know you do stop it periodically if you do get an impaction you can safely flush out your ears with a gentle stream of warm water using an ear syringe