Earwax, or cerumen, is essential to healthy ears and hearing. Earwax keeps the ear canal moist, inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, and protects the ear from dust, debris and insects. Too much earwax, however, can lead to pressure in the ears, partial and progressive hearing loss, coughing, itching, odor and ringing in the ears, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Removal of earwax is only necessary when these problems are present.
Step 1
Mix a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and lukewarm water. Fill an eyedropper with this solution by squeezing the rubber bulb on one end while the tube end is submerged in the solution.
Step 2
Tilt your head to the side so that one ear is facing upward. If this is difficult, you can also rest on a bed or chair in a semi-upright position with the affected ear facing the ceiling.
Step 3
Squeeze the bulb of the eyedropper gently and place three to four drops of the hydrogen peroxide solution into your ear.
Step 4
Pull upward and forward on the outer flap of your ear. This will straighten the ear canal and allow the solution to reach any wax blockage, according to the Ear, Nose & Throat Center.
Step 5
Keep your head still for four to five minutes to allow the peroxide to bubble and loosen any wax inside your ear canal. You should be able to feel the bubbling.
Step 6
Hold a towel or cloth over your ear, and then tilt your ear down so the peroxide solution can drain out of your ear.
Step 7
Fill a bulb syringe with clean, lukewarm water. Flush your ear several times.
Step 8
Use the eyedropper to place a few drops of rubbing alcohol into your ear to dry it. This will remove any remaining water trapped inside your ear canal, significantly reducing the chance of infection.
Step 9
Repeat this procedure on the second ear, if necessary. You can use peroxide to remove earwax twice a day for a week if your first attempt is unsuccessful at removing your earwax.
Things You'll Need
- Hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent concentration
- Eyedropper
- Bulb syringe
- Towel
- Rubbing alcohol
