Ear wax is a sticky substance produced by the cerumen glands in the inner ear canal. It prevents insects, dust particles and other foreign objects from entering the ear canal. However, when ear wax builds up and is not removed, ear wax blockage occurs, according to the Mayo Clinic. Ear wax blockage can cause pain and hearing loss. Although there are several common methods for removing ear wax from the ear, some are not safe, and others should only be administered by a doctor. Check with your doctor before using any method or treatment to remove ear wax.
Step 1
Gently rub the cotton tip of an ear swab along the outer ear and the opening of the ear canal, advises Dr. Douglas Hoffman at The Medical Consumer's Advocate. Repeat for the other ear with a clean swab. Avoid inserting the ear swab into the ear canal--this can compress ear wax in the ear canal and make it more difficult to remove.
Step 2
Mix a solution of hydrogen peroxide, water and vinegar in a small plastic container. The ideal ratio is two parts hydrogen peroxide, one part water and one part vinegar, according to Dr. Hoffman.
Step 3
Place an eye dropper in the solution and squeeze the bulb to draw the solution into the dropper. Place the open end of the dropper at the opening of the ear canal and squeeze the bulb to administer two or three drops of the solution into the ear. Repeat the procedure for the other ear.
Step 4
Draw several drops of baby oil into a clean eye dropper. Place the open end of the dropper at the opening of the ear canal and squeeze the bulb to release one or two drops of baby oil, advises Dr. Hoffman. Repeat this process for the other ear.
Tips and Warnings
- Place one or two drops of baby oil in each ear once per week to keep ear wax soft and prevent it from building up in your ear canal.
- Do not use the hydrogen peroxide solution or baby oil if you have a hole in your ear drum or a history of middle ear infections or other ear problems. These remedies may result in ear infections. Although ear-flushing syringes are available to consumers, flushing the ears with water should only be performed by a physician. Candling, the process of placing the unlit end of a candle in the ear canal and lighting the wick, has gained popularity in recent years. However, this is a dangerous process, according to the Dr. Lisa Roazen, contributor to the Quack Watch website. It is not considered effective for removing ear wax and may actually deposit candle wax into the ear canal.
Things You'll Need
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Water
- Vinegar
- Small plastic container
- Eye dropper
- Baby oil
