1. Earwax Production
Earwax is the natural product of your ear's attempt to remove foreign debris. There are many remedies publicized on how to remove earwax; some are hype and some are not. Your body produces wax, or cerumen, to protect the fine hairs that line your inner ear and are responsible for keeping the auditory canals clean. Simply because you have wax build-up, you are not dirty! The downside is that earwax can become impacted. This impaction can cause a hearing loss in varying degrees.
2. Hearing Loss Remedies
As you live and breath your ears are building up wax. If you are over thirty, suffer from chronic ear infections or can't hear as well as you used to, it may be time to consider an earwax remedy. The safest and oldest method is that of a gentle irrigation. It's messy, but low in cost and highly effective. Also effective are the multitude of over-the-counter earwax dissolving drops available. The effectiveness of earwax candles is debatable, and you might not be fond of the idea of sticking something in your ear then lighting it on fire.
3. Let's Irrigate
Gather your irrigation supplies! You will need a basin, towels, mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide, as well as an irrigation device (like a large syringe). Lie on your unaffected side and place either a cap full of hydrogen peroxide or mineral oil into your ear. Let the solution sit in place for at least ten minutes to loosen the earwax. Make sure you have towels around you, as this will be messy. It is helpful if you have a good friend or significant other to assist you but not required. Using room-temperature water (cold is not good), gently flush water into your ear, making sure not to insert the tip of the flushing device past your outer ear canal. When the impaction is severe, you can actually see the earwax floating out in pieces.
4. Cotton Swab Impact
Cotton swabs have been marketed for years as effective ear cleansing tools. You might have one in your ear as you read this, probing at your delicate auditory canals. Ditch the swabs as they can actually cause an impaction or damage your eardrum if you clean too zealously. The outer ear canal can be effectively cleaned with a warm washcloth and soap.
5. Ear Infection--Don't Flush
Those who suffer from chronic ear infections may have a conundrum. Although you may need earwax removal, you must first be sure that your eardrum is intact. Chronic ear infections have a way of wreaking havoc with your eardrum, and severe infections can actually perforate the eardrum (also causing partial hearing loss). Anytime you have drainage from your ear, fever or pain in the ear or surrounding glands you need a visit with your physician. Trained professionals can see your eardrum with a tiny scope that shines light onto its surface. Check with your doctor before irrigation to ensure that your eardrum is intact, then flush your way to better hearing!
