Hello, This is a very good question and a very common problem. Ear wax is formed in all the people but in few it gets deposited and needs removal. the ear buds and other similar items are useful to mop the ear from discharge but not for wax. The requirement for wax cleaning depends upon patient to patient and it's generally around 6 months... ENT doctors are well trained in this procedure. Wax can be cleaned with a hand held instrument or by syringing in the ear or through vacuum pump. Take care.