Ear wax helps keep your ears healthy. The sticky wax, also called cerumen, traps dust and dirt before it can work its way deeper into the ear. But sometimes wax builds up and blocks the ear canal. According to the University of Alabama Medical School, ear wax blockage is the leading cause of temporary hearing loss. To safely remove the build-up ear wax, you'll need to exercise caution and patience.
Step 1
Place a few drops of baby oil or an over the counter wax softener in your ear canal. Tilt your head so that your ear is pointed up toward the ceiling. Hold the tip of the dropper right above the ear canal and drip in two to three drops of the oil or wax softener. Keep your head tilted for a few more seconds to allow the solution to run down into the ear canal.
Step 2
Insert the drops twice a day for several days.
Step 3
Stand in the shower with the water on. Again, tilt your head, this time with your ear turned up toward the flow of water from the shower head. Allow a small stream of water to flow into your ear and back out. Do this for a minute or two.
Step 4
Get out of the shower and gently dry the outside of your ear with a towel. Do not stick your finger, the tip of the towel, a cotton swab or any other object into your ear. Doing so can drive the wax further into your ear canal where it can become impacted and be more difficult to get out, cautions the University of Alabama Medical School.
Tips and Warnings
- Instead of standing in the shower, you can squirt warm water into your ear with a bulb syringe.
- If using the drops for several days doesn't relieve your wax blockage, consult your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Baby oil or ear wax softening solution
- Towel
