Earwax is a protective device to the ear canal. Sweat, hair, skin cells and debris such as shampoo and dirt are bonded together by a fluid secreted from glands in the ear canal to create earwax. It helps keep your ears clear of infection and filters dust. Your ear canal is self cleaning and usually disposes of excess earwax all on its own. Sometimes build up can come to the point that it is a problem. There are measures which can be taken to prevent this from occurring.
Step 1
Soften the earwax in your ears. Add a few drops of mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide with warm water into the ear canal and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen up any hardened wax.
Step 2
Clean your ears regularly to minimize debris that will find its way into your ears to create wax. Use a warm, damp cloth to wipe around the inside of the ear. Don't stick anything inside the ear canal.
Step 3
Avoid getting soap and shampoo in your ears when you shower or bathe. They both contribute to earwax and may also cause irritation to the inside of your ear.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your ears dry as much as possible. Most earwax problems can be handled at home. Tightly packed earwax may need to be seen by a doctor to be removed however.
- Do not stick cotton swabs, bobby pins or any other kind of device into your ears. They will only compact the wax inside and make it even more difficult to come out.
Things You'll Need
- Mineral oil
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Warm water
