Small glands in the ear canal produce earwax, also called cerumen. The function of earwax is to trap dirt and slow down the growth of bacteria in the ear, according to the Mayo Clinic. Earwax also protects the skin in the ear. An overproduction or excessive amount of earwax, collecting and hardening in the ear, may cause complications such as decreased hearing, pain or itching. At times, a complete blockage of the ear canal occurs due to earwax. Safely removing excessive earwax helps prevent damage to the eardrum.
Softeners and Detergents
Some solvents help soften and loosen earwax from the ear canal. This method is possible to perform at home. Products that soften the wax make removing it easier. An eyedropper should be used to insert a few drops of an oil-based substance such as baby oil, mineral oil or glycerin into the ear to soften the wax. Tilting the head to keep the affected ear upward while instilling the drops, one at a time, helps to keep the oil in the ear canal. After waiting approximately five minutes, the head should be tilted to the opposite side to allow the oil to run out. The softened wax will work its way to the outer ear where it easily wipes away. Repeating this method a couple of times daily for several days may be required to remove the earwax blockage. Alternately, using detergent products such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide drops may help remove earwax, as well.
Water Irrigation
Flushing the ear with water may help remove excessive amounts of earwax. Individuals with a ruptured eardrum or who have diabetes are not candidates for ear irrigation due to possible complications. During ear irrigation, body temperature water is instilled with a syringe into the ear canal. For most effective irrigation, the head should be kept upright and the outer portion of the ear pulled upward to straighten the ear canal before injecting the water. Tilting the head allows the water and earwax to drain. Repeating the irrigation several times may be necessary to loosen the earwax. After irrigation, placing drops of rubbing alcohol into the ear canal helps dry the ear, according to Medline Plus. Irrigating the ear works best after using products to soften the earwax.
Professional Removal
When home treatments do not work to remove excessive earwax, a physician may need to remove the buildup. The physician may irrigate the ear or use special tools such as a suction device, or a special hook tool called a curette to remove the wax. Only a heath care professional should use objects to remove earwax. Individuals at home should never use cotton-tipped swabs, fingers or any other foreign object in the ear to assist in earwax removal due to the possibility of serious injury to the eardrum.
