Homeopathic Remedies For Plugged Ears

Plugged ears are usually caused by wax buildup. According to "Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide," this wax, called cerumen, traps dust and other irritants before they can reach your eardrum. You may need to clear your ears periodically if your ears produce too much earwax. Though there are some eardrops and other medications available to help with this task, homeopathic remedies can also be effective.

Massaging

Before trying more invasive methods, you may want to attempt to loosen the wax plugging your ears by massaging the ear. Gently massage the area directly behind your earlobe with your fingertip, moving it in a circular motion for several minutes. Then, tug firmly on your earlobe while opening and closing your mouth. This can dislodge loose wax clogs and works particularly well for those who have ear troubles when flying in airplanes.

Using a Washcloth

Sometimes a warm, damp washcloth can be enough to dislodge surface clogs that make hearing difficult. Rub the washcloth around all areas of your outer ear to wash away the dirt and wax that can cause issues. Make sure to never stick the washcloth or any other foreign object, such as cotton swabs, deep into the opening of your ear. This can actually push the wax deep into your ear, where it could harden. Forcing foreign objects deep into your ear can also puncture your eardrum or scratch your ear canal.

Rinsing and Drying

If neither of the gentler methods work, then try to rinse the wax from your ear. Fill a clean eyedropper with hydrogen peroxide and hold the full dropper under warm running water for several seconds to heat the contents to just above body temperature. Tilt your head to the side and place several drops of hydrogen peroxide directly in your ear. Keep your head tilted for about three minutes, then turn your head the other way to allow the hydrogen peroxide to drain onto a towel or into the sink. Tilt your head back and use a bulb syringe to gently flush out your ear with warm water. Let the water run out, then pat your outer ear dry with a clean cloth or cotton ball. Set a hair dryer to its coolest setting, hold it about a foot from your head and use it to fully dry your ear.