Your ears create ear wax to protect the inner portion of your ear from dirt, water and bacteria. For some people, the ears produce extra wax that hardens and creates a blockage that can cause an earache, itching, sounds inside of the ear, a feeling of having a plugged ear, an odor and even partial hearing loss. Removal of the ear wax blockage can restore your ear to normal functioning.
Step 1
Start by getting rid of any external wax. Never stick an object into the ear canal; this can cause a serious ear injury. Use a warm, wet wash cloth and wipe any ear wax away that is visible on the outer portion of the ear.
Step 2
Soften the hardened ear wax that is creating a blockage. Use an eyedropper to apply three drops of baby oil, commercial drops, glycerin, mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide to the ear twice a day. Repeat these steps for three to five days.
Step 3
Clean out the ear with warm water. Use a rubber bulb syringe to clean the drops and softened wax from your ear. Pull the outer portion of your ear back and up to straighten the ear canal. Gently squirt warm water into your ears, place a towel over your ear and turn your head to let the water run out of your ear.
Step 4
Dry your ear thoroughly. Use a towel to wipe the external ear dry and tilt your head to allow any excess water to drain. You may also use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to dry your ear.
Step 5
Consult a doctor. if your attempts to remove the ear wax blockage at home are unsuccessful, speak with your doctor. He can manually remove the blockage and treat for any possible infections of the ear.
Tips and Warnings
- Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 if the first attempt is not successful.
- Do not attempt to dig out hardened ear wax; this can lodge the wax further into the ear. Do not use cold water; cold water can cause severe dizziness when applied to the inner ear. Do not attempt to remove ear wax blockage if you have an ear tube, a hole in your ear or other ear condition.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Eyedropper
- Baby oil
- Commercial drops
- Glycerin
- Mineral oil
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Rubber bulb syringe
- Towel
- Hairdryer
