Ear wax is a sticky substance in the ear that helps protect the eardrum and ear canal from germs, bacteria and foreign objects. Although ear wax is beneficial, sometimes it can harden and get stuck in the ear. Instead of removing ear wax with your finger, safely and effectively remove it with a doctor-approved device.
Cotton Swabs
Cotton swabs are the tool many people reach for after getting out of the shower, but cotton swabs may push impacted ear wax further into the eardrum. If you must use a cotton swab, use it correctly. Carefully swab the outside of the ear and the opening of the ear canal, but do not jam the cotton swab inside, says ear, nose and throat doctor, Dr. Douglas Hoffman, M.D., Ph.D. Swabbing deep inside the ear to remove wax will make a clogged ear even worse if it is used incorrectly, says Dr. Hoffman.
Baby Oil
Applying a few drops of baby oil to the ear may help soften impacted wax, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine. With a clean eyedropper, remove a small amount of room-temperature baby oil and carefully place about two or three drops into the affected ear once a day. Apply baby oil into the ear for up to five days to help remove ear wax, says the Mayo Clinic.
If you don't have baby oil, apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, glycerin or mineral oil into the ear to help reduce the ear wax blockage, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Ear Irrigation Kit
An ear irrigation kit uses water to dislodge the ear wax blockage and flush it out of the ear. Use an ear irrigation kit after using baby oil to soften the ear wax for two days, suggests the Mayo Clinic. You can purchase an ear irrigation kit at the drugstore. Fill the syringe with warm tap water, then carefully squeeze the water into the affected ear. Tip your head over the sink to remove the water. Repeat once a day for several days until the blockage is dislodged.
