A healthy amount of earwax in your ears is both normal and beneficial. Produced by the glands in your external canal, earwax protects your ears from water and infection, says the American Hearing Research Foundation. But earwax may become problematic if you notice symptoms of a wax impaction, such as decreased hearing, a sensation of "fullness" in the ear and itching. Easy home remedies can help you get rid of excess wax. Keep in mind that earwax removal is safest when your doctor does it, says the Mayo Clinic. Home treatment is not recommended for individuals who have had ear tubes inserted, for those who have a perforated eardrum, or if severe pain and drainage are present.
Step 1
Select an agent that you can use to soften and dissolve earwax. You can use mineral or baby oil, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, or a drugstore ear drop designed for earwax removal.
Step 2
Put a few drops of your dissolving agent in the affected ear. Repeat this twice daily for no longer than four to five days, advises the Mayo Clinic. This will cause the wax to soften, making it easier to remove.
Step 3
Fill a bulb-tipped syringe with warm water. Temperature is important, cautions the American Academy of Otolaryngology, as using cold water may cause vertigo. After tilting your head, use your free hand to position your outer ear up and back. Squirt the water gently into your ear canal. Tilt your head to the other side; allow the water to drain.
Step 4
Dry your outer ear with a soft towel. If you like, you can use a blow-dryer on the lowest setting to dry your ear. Make sure to keep the device at least a foot away from your head.
Tips and Warnings
- An option to home earwax removal is to have your ears cleaned by a physician on a regular basis, says the American Hearing Research Foundation.
- You may need to repeat the above procedure several times before earwax finally comes out, cautions the Mayo Clinic. If you don't meet with any success, see your doctor. Some home methods of earwax removal are dangerous. An article published in the "American Family Physician" in May 2007 indicates that ear candling, a procedure in which a candle is placed in the auditory canal and lit, can result in perforation of the eardrum.
Things You'll Need
- Ear drops of your choice
- Small dropper
- Bulb-tipped syringe
- Soft, clean towel or blow-dryer
