Ear wax is a sticky substance secreted from the cerumen glands, small glands located only in the ear canals. It is designed to trap and prevent foreign bodies from entering the ear canal. Ear wax build up can occur suddenly, and even a small amount can result in pain, hearing loss and a cough. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove ear wax safely, both at home and in a doctor's office.
Irrigation
According to the website of Dr. Douglas Hoffman, physicians usually remove built up ear wax via irrigation. This involves squeezing warm water into the ear, washing the wax out of the ear canal. This procedure can be uncomfortable and slightly painful, especially if it's hard wax. You can also purchase an over-the-counter irrigation system to use at home. Instead of warm water, this system uses carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to irrigate the ear canal. Although this method is effective, complete or hard blockages should be treated by a doctor. As with any home treatment, you risk making the condition worse. In this case, peroxide may get trapped inside the ear drum and turn a partial blockage into a complete one.
Manual Removal
The American Academy of Otolaryngology says an otolaryngologist or doctor can remove ear wax manually. This method requires the use of a small metal instrument called a curette, and the doctor magnifies the ear canal with a microscope. Doctors commonly elect to use this procedure if you have a tube or perforation in your eardrum, a narrow ear canal, a weak immune system or have exhausted all other methods.
Soften Wax
Hoffman suggests softening the ear wax to make it easier to remove. Apply a couple of drops of mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide or baby oil into the ear canal two times a day for about four days. Once the wax is softened, carefully squirt a little warm water into your ear canal using a bulb syringe. Straighten out the ear canal by tipping your head up and gently tugging up and back on the outer ear. Tilt your head sideways to drain out the water.
