1. Use Cotton Swabs to Clean Your Ears
Your ears naturally clean out earwax, but using a cotton swab can speed up the process. The hairs in your ear slowly break down most of the wax and then move it toward the outer section of your ear. To remove the wax, simply insert a swab and gently rotate it. You should only have to do this once a week, although it won't hurt to do it more often. Take care not to insert the swab into your ear canal, because it can damage your ears. Inserting the swab too far into your ear can also push the wax deeper and allow it to build up and become impacted. If you have had past problems with earwax buildup, then wiping around the outside of your ear with a wet cloth is a safer method of removing wax.
2. Soften Hard Earwax With a Solution
As you age, your body's ability to remove wax can deteriorate. As a result, earwax can build up and harden, which can lead to pain, hearing problems or tinnitus. To remove this type of wax, you'll need to soften it with a cleansing agent. There are many kinds of over-the-counter ear drops that are approved for home use. Simply lie on your side, put 3 to 5 drops in your ear, wait 5 minutes and then wipe around your ear with a wet washcloth. If you do not notice any improvement in the days after this treatment, see your doctor, because the wax may be too far inside your ear canal.
3. Consider the Pros and Cons of Ear Candles
The procedure of using cotton and wax candles to clean earwax has created lots of controversy. During the process, you lie on one side and burn a special hollow candle placed over the ear. Proponents claim that the flame creates a light vacuum that draws out earwax and other impurities. Many medical professionals disagree, calling this treatment dangerous and ineffective. If you decide to try an ear candle, they are available at alternative medicine stores. For your first session, you may want to find a practitioner in your area who can guide you through the process and oversee your safety.
