Ear wax (cerumen) is a healthy, natural product of the human ear canal. The wax helps protect the ear against infection, slowing bacteria growth and trapping dirt and dust. Excessive ear wax buildup can affect your hearing, sometimes even block out hearing in the affected ear entirely, and cause general discomfort in the ear. You may also experience tinnitus, or noises in the ear. Clearing ear wax can be done at home, according to the National Institute of Health.
Step 1
Suck a few drops of baby oil into a standard eyedropper.
Step 2
Tilt your head sideways, with the ear with the wax buildup facing up.
Step 3
Squeeze two or three drops of the baby oil into your ear and allow it to run into your ear canal for 20 seconds or so. Repeat this process twice a day for five to seven days.
Step 4
Fill a rubber bulb syringe (available at pharmacies or supermarket) with warm water.
Step 5
Tip your head sideways, with the ear with the wax buildup facing up.
Step 6
Carefully insert the syringe into the outer portion of your ear. Do not allow the syringe to enter your ear canal.
Step 7
Squeeze the warm water into the ear canal, and then turn your head downward, with your ear facing the floor for at least a minute. This will allow the wax and water to drain out of your ear.
Tips and Warnings
- If your discomfort is severe or your wax buildup problem persists or is regular, consult a doctor. Doctors can use a curette to remove excess ear wax and may also prescribe wax-removal medication.
- Don't heat the water too much; it should be warm, but not hot. Do not dig out ear wax with a cotton swab or some other object; this may only push the wax deeper into your ear canal and could cause damage to your ear canal lining and your eardrum.
Things You'll Need
- Baby oil
- Eyedropper
- Rubber bulb syringe
- Warm water
