1. Loosen the Wax With a Solvent
There are many ear drops that can help loosen impacted earwax. For a home remedy, you may want to try an oil-based product, such as mineral oil. Lie on your side and place a few drops of the liquid into your ear. Wait for about 5 minutes, and then pat a wet cloth around your outer ear. Do not clean the liquid out with a cotton swab, since this process could push the newly loosened wax deeper into your ear. Repeat the process for your other ear. For heavily impacted earwax, it may take several applications before it is removed.
2. Try an Over-the-Counter Wax Softener
Most pharmacies stock several types of earwax softeners that are available without a prescription. Most are applied in the same way as the home remedy, although since some products contain small amounts of diluted hydrogen peroxide, you'll want to rinse it out with a more direct method, such as using a water-filled syringe or directing water into your ear while in the shower. The water that enters your ears will also help remove the newly loosened wax.
3. See Your Doctor for Other Methods
Previous ear injuries or irregularly shaped ear canals may inhibit the success of the soften-and-rinse methods. Your doctor has several options to remove the impacted wax. In most cases, the wax will be diluted and then removed by a special vacuumlike device. If the wax is impacted deep within your inner ear, then an ear, nose and throat specialist may have to use other equipment remove it. In any case, you need to see the proper specialist to take care of your ears, because deeply impacted wax can lead to more serious issues.
4. Prevent the Wax From Coming Back
While you shower, avoid getting excessive amounts of water or shampoo into your ears. After you swim or shower, tilt your head to each side to help the water drain out. You can also use a small hairdryer to dry your ears, but be sure that it is set on the lowest heat setting and held well away from your ear.
