Ideally, you shouldn't need to remove ear wax. Ear wax, or cerumen, is a natural defense mechanism, and the body typically expels it automatically as necessary, explains the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, or AAO-HNS. However, ear wax blockages can cause discomfort, pain, ringing in the ears and diminished hearing. In such cases, you'll want to remove ear wax quickly. You can do this easily at home, or it can be done for you by your doctor.
Step 1
Mix a small amount of hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of lukewarm water. The Ear, Nose and Throat Center recommends this mixture as the best initial option for softening ear wax accumulations.
Step 2
Lie down on your side, positioning your head so that your ear faces the ceiling, parallel to the floor. Gently pull the outer flap of your ear backwards and upwards. This provides a direct path for your softening mixture to reach the ear wax by straightening the ear canal.
Step 3
Drop a few drops of the diluted hydrogen peroxide into your ear with an eyedropper. Hold your position for five minutes, allowing the mixture to soak in. Expect it to bubble a little.
Step 4
Use a rubber bulb syringe to gently squirt a small stream of lukewarm water into your ear. Tip your head so that the opening of your ear faces the floor. This should irrigate the softened ear wax.
Step 5
Repeat this process if necessary, but with a slightly stronger softening mixture. The Ear, Nose and Throat Center recommends mixing equal parts rubbing alcohol and room temperature white vinegar in place of the diluted hydrogen peroxide.
Step 6
See your doctor to have your ear wax removed professionally. They can remove it with a small implement called a curette, irrigate it or suction it out, advises MayoClinic.com.
Tips and Warnings
- MayoClinic.com suggests baby oil, mineral oil and glycerin as other effective ear wax softening agents. Commercial ear drops are available over the counter for the same purpose, points out AAO-HNS.
- All liquids used in your ear should be room temperature. Colder or hotter liquids can cause severe dizziness. Do not attempt to remove ear wax with a cotton-tipped swab. This only pushes wax deeper into the ear canal, as the AAO-HNS cautions. They also warn against the use of ear candles, as they can cause injury and their effectiveness is not supported by scientific evidence.
Things You'll Need
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Rubbing alcohol
- White vinegar
- Eyedropper
- Rubber bulb syringe
