Earwax is composed of dead skin cells, oil, sweat, and a wax produced by the ceruminous glands in the ear canal. Earwax is the ears' natural protection against excess moisture and infection. If, however, too much earwax---also known as cerumen by the medical community---is produced it can become impacted and lead to complications such as diminished hearing and ear infections. Earwax can be removed easily at home using ear irrigation techniques, but it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of this option with your doctor before proceeding.
Step 1
Pour one half cup of hydrogen peroxide into a clean cup. Add one half cup of clean, lukewarm tap water to the hydrogen peroxide. Mix with a clean spoon and then suction the hydrogen peroxide-water mixture into the syringe.
Step 2
Lie on your side on a soft, comfortable surface with your ear facing upward. Irrigate the ear with the hydrogen peroxide-water mixture by gently squirting the mixture into the ear slowly. Use about half of the total mixture.
Step 3
Remain in the same position for five minutes. Then sit up and tilt your head to the side to allow the hydrogen peroxide-water to drain from your ear. Hold a clean towel under your ear to keep the mixture away from your clothes. Repeat for your other ear.
Step 4
Apply warm baby oil or olive oil to the ear to help dissolve difficult earwax impaction if the hydrogen peroxide irrigation is ineffective. Pour a small amount of oil in a spoon and heat the oil over a candle until the oil feels warm to the touch. Place the oil in a dropper and then follow steps two and three again, being careful to apply only three to four drops of oil to the ear however. Two to three days after this process, flush ears with clean, warm tap water to remove the ear wax that has been dissolved.
Step 5
Use a rubbing alcohol and vinegar solution as an alternative to warm oil to dissolve difficult to remove impactions. Mix one part rubbing alcohol to one part white vinegar in a cup. Allow this mixture to sit until it achieves at least room temperature. Then apply as previously mentioned in steps two and three. After completing these steps, immediately flush the ears with clean, warm tap water to remove any dissolved earwax.
Things You'll Need
- Baby soft bulb syringe or large medicine dropper
- 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
- Water
- Rubbing alcohol
- White vinegar
- Baby or olive oil
- Spoon
- Candle
- Clean towel
