Earwax is essential for the protection of your inner ears, but when not removed correctly it can cause blockages. Earwax is designed to catch foreign substances, such as dirt and bacteria, before they can reach the inner ear. As the earwax gets full of particles, it slowly moves toward the outer ear and falls out. When objects such as cotton swabs or fingers are used to try to remove earwax, the wax can become compacted, resulting in a blockage, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. When blocked earwax occurs, it needs to be removed safely.
Home Remedies
Home remedies can remove earwax effectively. One common method is to soften the wax and then rinse the ear out with water. The Mayo Clinic recommends softening ear wax by using 2 drops of softening solution, such as mineral oil, baby oil or hydrogen peroxide, in the ears each day over the course of five days. Then run water into the ear, let the water drain out, and dry the ear with a towel.
Irrigation Kits
Home irrigation kits are another option for safely removing ear wax. The kits come with a rubber-bulb syringe or irrigation syringe that allows you direct pressured water into the ear to loosen and rinse out the ear wax. Irrigation kits can be used in conjunction with the softening methods discussed in section 1.
Curette
When earwax buildup is too stubborn for home removal, your doctor can remove the wax using a small curved instrument known as a curette to scrape out the wax. This is especially useful for earwax that has become severely compacted inside the ear.
Water Pick
A commercial-strength water pick may also be used by your doctor to remove stubborn earwax safely. A water pick shoots pressurized water or saline solution into the ear to dislodge and rinse out excess ear wax.
Suction
Suction can also be used by your doctor to remove earwax. It is often used in conjunction with other wax removal methods. Suction creates a vacuum on the ear that sucks out lodged pieces of earwax.
