Ear wax, or cerumen, is perfectly normal in moderate amounts. Most of the time, your ears are self-cleaning, notes the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO), with old ear wax getting pushed out of your ear as you chew or swallow, while new wax forms to take its place. However, sometimes ear wax may build up, such as when you use cotton swabs to clean your ears (this pushes the wax down farther). You can clean ear wax buildup at home as long as you do so carefully and the impaction is not completely blocking your ear canal or affecting your hearing.
Cleaning Out Ear Wax
Step 1
Using a small dropper, put a few drops of mineral or baby oil, glycerin or hydrogen peroxide in your ear twice a day for up to five days, advises the Mayo Clinic. Doing this softens ear wax and makes irrigation (ear syringing) much easier.
Step 2
Wait at least two days before attempting irrigation. Fill a rubber-bulb syringe with water heated to body temperature to avoid vertigo, says the AAO. Tilt your head and gently squirt the water inside the ear canal. When you're through, tip your head in the opposite direction to allow excess water to drain. The AAO notes that irrigation will be more effective if you apply a few drops of water, saline solution or wax-dissolving drops into the ear 15 to 30 minutes before irrigating it.
Step 3
Dry the outer ear by blotting it with a towel. The Mayo Clinic indicates that you can also use a handheld hair dryer.
Step 4
If home methods of cleaning ear wax buildup fail, seek a consultation with an otolaryngologist. The AAO indicates that manual removal of ear wax using very small instruments in conjunction with suctioning is extremely effective when performed by a doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Eyedropper
- Mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin or hydrogen peroxide
- Small rubber-bulb syringe
- Towel or hair-dryer
