You may have heard the saying, "Never stick anything in your ears smaller than your elbow," says ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr. Douglas Hoffman. Using cotton swabs or your finger to clear out wax from your ear may push more wax against the eardrum, causing a blockage. To clean your ears properly, head to the drugstore or your doctor's office.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide, which is available at the drugstore or grocery store, is a bubbling liquid that helps soften and dissolve wax that has built up in the ear canal. Using a clean eyedropper, extract a small amount of hydrogen peroxide from the bottle, and carefully drip three or four drops of the solution into the ear, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Placing hydrogen peroxide in the ear once a day for up to five days will help soften the wax, which can then be removed completely with an at-home ear irrigation kit.
Ear Irrigation Kit
An ear irrigation kit, available at the drugstore, comes with a small rubber or plastic syringe that squirts a high-powered stream into the ear. Fill the syringe with warm water by filling up the sink, then placing the syringe in the water and pulling out the plunger or squeezing the bulb on the end. Place the tip of the syringe into your ear canal, then depress the plunger or squeeze the bulb to release the water into the ear. Tip your head to let the water flow out of your ear.
Wax-Removal Medication
The Mayo Clinic recommends wax-removal medication for individuals that have chronic wax buildup problems. Your doctor may recommend a wax-removal medication, like carbamide peroxide, once a month to help dissolve ear wax. Wax-removal medications are available over the counter at the drugstore or with a doctor's prescription. In some cases, wax-removal medications may irritate the ear canal, causing pain and itchiness. Consult your doctor if discomfort occurs while using a wax-removal medication.
