Earwax is a substance produced by the outer ear canal to keep the ears clean. In most people, the ears only produce enough wax to protect the ear from dust and germs. Occasionally, however, one or both ears will begin to produce excess earwax. If you notice the sticky brown or orange wax, or if you are experiencing a loss of hearing or a feeling that there is a blockage in your ear, there are several steps that you can take to clear the earwax from your ears.
Step 1
Clean any wax that is present from your outer ears. Do this in the shower while you shampoo your hair, or use a soft cloth or tissue to gently swab around the part of your ear that you can see.
Step 2
Place a couple of drops of baby oil, hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil or glycerin in the affected ear. Hold your head with your ear pointing up for several minutes to allow the oil to soak in. Repeat this each day for two or three days.
Step 3
Gently irrigate your ear with lukewarm water. According to the National Institutes of Health, using warm or cold water can cause dizziness, so use water that is as close to your body temperature as possible. Fill a bulb syringe with the water and squirt it into your ear canal while you pull your ear up and back to open the canal. Tilt your head to let the water, and some of the softened wax, run out.
Step 4
Dry your ear canal. Do this by placing a drop or two of rubbing alcohol into the ear canal. As it evaporates, any remaining water will evaporate as well. Another method is to aim a cool hair dryer into your ear.
Step 5
Consult your doctor if the earwax remains after trying to irrigate the softened wax. He may attempt to irrigate the canals, use a small instrument to physically remove the wax, or refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Soft cloth
- Oil or hydrogen peroxide
- Rubber bulb syringe
- Rubbing alcohol or hair dryer
