Usually earwax or cerumen works its way out of the ear canal where you can wipe it away with a soft cloth, but in certain cases, the cerumen may collect in the ear canal and create a wax buildup. Removing this earwax fast requires prompt identification of the various symptoms of compacted cerumen, which may include gradual hearing loss, ear pain, ringing in the ears--called tinnitus--and dizziness, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Always check with your primary care doctor before removing compacted ear wax yourself, particularly if the affected person may have a ruptured eardrum.
Step 1
Place a soft towel on a flat, elevated surface, such as a table. Have the person lay his head on the towel, leaving the affected ear completely exposed. Pull slightly on the ear lobe of the affected ear to straighten the ear canal.
Step 2
Soften the earwax by instilling several drops of a wax-softening solution in the affected ear. According to the National Institutes of Health, acceptable liquids appropriate for softening hardened cerumen include mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin and hydrogen peroxide. Allow the liquid to remain in the ear for 15 to 30 minutes to promote wax softening.
Step 3
Loosen the freshly softened earwax with gentle water irrigation. Fill a rubber bulb syringe with room-temperature water. Pull slightly on the ear lobe to straighten the ear canal. Gently spray the water into the ear canal, aiming the flow of water at the wall of the ear canal right next to the chunk of wax.
Step 4
Rotate the person's head, resting the affected ear on the towel to promote drainage of the water and wax pieces. Allow the ear to drain for about 20 to 30 minutes. Contact your primary care doctor if the compacted wax symptoms fail to improve within two to three days.
Things You'll Need
- Soft towel
- Table
- Wax-softening liquid
- Rubber bulb syringe
- Room-temperature water
