Lining the ear canal are hair follicles and glands that produce a waxy substance called cerumen, commonly known as ear wax. Hearing loss is a symptom of ear wax blockage and indicates that the cerumen has hardened and needs removal. According to MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, most cases of ear wax impaction may be treated at home as long as there is no danger of rupturing the eardrum.
Softening Agents
Warm a few drops of baby oil, glycerin, or mineral oil to body temperature by holding the bottle wrapped in the hands for 10 minutes or so. Tilt the head to the side and place three drops of the oil into the ear canal and hold that position about five minutes or until it feels like the wax has softened. Tilt the head to the other side to allow the oil and softened wax to drain. Repeat the treatment until the ear wax has softened. Place a tissue over a finger and gently clean out the outer ear canal. Never use a foreign object like a cotton swab as this may push the ear wax deeper into the ear.
Foaming Agents
Warm a bottle of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide by placing the bottle in a container of warm water. Test the water with an elbow. If the foaming agents are too warm or too cold, dizziness will occur when the drops are placed in the ears. Tilt the head to the side and place three drops of the foaming agent into the ear. Hold the head tilted until the foaming stops. Tilt the head to the other side to allow the softened wax to drain. Repeat treatment two or three times if needed to remove the wax. Use a tissue on a finger to gently clean the outer ear canal.
Irrigation
Warm a small container of filtered water or sterile saline to body temperature. Fill a syringe or ear bulb with the warmed water or saline. Holding the head upright, pull down on the affected ear lobe and gently irrigate the ear canal with warm water or saline. Ask someone to help by holding a bowl underneath the ear to catch the water as it runs out of the ear canal. Repeat irrigation with warm water or saline three or four times to dislodge the hardened wax. Clean the ear canal with a soft tissue or cloth only. Do not use a swab. Dry the ear with two or three drops of alcohol, or a gentle sweep of warm air from a hairdryer set on low, if the irrigation is successful.
Ear Candling
According to Quackwatch.org, an online information site, ear candling involves placing a cone-shaped paper in the ear canal and lighting a candle wick to create a suction that draws out impurities from the ear. A study done by Rebecca Long, president of the Georgia Council Against Health Fraud at the 1992 Discovery Expo in Atlanta, Georgia, proved that candling did not remove ear wax or other "impurities" from the ears. Burning candles near the ear is dangerous and is not recommended.
